DND Report: Some media persons claim that former prime minister Imran Khan Niazi got access to medical treatment just now after the instructions of Supreme Court of Pakistan. However, this narrative in contrary to fact as Khan had been enjoying medical facilities whenever it was needed and this fact had also been reported by the foreign media outlets.
Government of Pakistan time and again reiterated its commitment to the Constitution, prison law, and court directions, asserting that Khan is entitled to every protection under the law but not to a separate legal regime or immunity from security regulations. “The verifiable record, not rhetoric or unsubstantiated allegations by politically motivated parties, should guide reporting,” the statement concluded. The Government of Pakistan has strongly refuted recent media claims that former Prime Minister Imran Khan Niazi was subjected to a seven-month communications blackout or denied access to medical care, labeling the allegations as “misleading” and contrary to documented prison records.
Pakistani officials categorically rejected the claim that Imran Niazi had been kept incommunicado. The government asserted that prison logs demonstrate “repeated and substantial access” to family, legal counsel, and medical professionals since his conviction on corruption charges.
According to official records, since the start of his conviction, Mr. Khan has been granted 198 interviews involving over 900 visitors, including family members, lawyers of his choice, and political representatives. The former prime minister is also permitted weekly meetings with his wife; the most recent of which occurred on August 4, 2026—coinciding with the date his sons made unsubstantiated claims of a blackout on CNN.
Authorities maintain that access has not been abolished but rather regulated under the Pakistan Prison Rules, court orders, and security protocols. Officials noted that any temporary restrictions on facilities followed violations of prison interview or communication rules, including the use of permitted contact for political messaging.
Medical Care Dispute
The government also dismissed claims that Mr. Khan has been denied medical attention, citing extensive clinical records. The official record lists at least 30 examinations by specialist teams and medical boards from institutions including the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Shifa International Hospital, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital, and Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital. These are in addition to three daily check-ups by the prison doctor.
Following a diagnosis of a retinal condition, Mr. Khan received treatment including five intravitreal anti-VEGF injections, specialist examinations, and retinal imaging. The most recent documented specialist assessment took place in July 2026, with further medication and follow-up prescribed.
Clinical entries describe Mr. Khan as “oriented and stable,” with no record of acute or unmanaged deterioration. The government noted that the question of access to and disclosure of his medical reports is currently sub judice before the Supreme Court of Pakistan, following proceedings initiated by a close family member. Officials declined to comment further on the pending case or release confidential legal processes.
Contrary to claims of punitive isolation, officials stated that Mr. Khan is housed in an exclusive seven-cell compound designed for 30 to 35 prisoners, featuring a 57 x 14 foot corridor, a 35 x 37 foot lawn, a bed, mattress, pillows, blankets, sanitation facilities, and exercise equipment. He receives separately prepared meals from a menu selected and financed on his behalf, including meat, chicken, fruit, milk, nuts, juices, and bottled water.
Regarding the visa status of Mr. Khan’s sons, the Defence Minister clarified that they do not require Pakistani visas if they hold valid NICOPs (National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis), which serve as official proof of citizenship and permit visa-free entry. The government described the framing of the matter as a denial of entry while referencing both NICOP status and a visa request as “misleading” and an attempt to turn an administrative process into a political issue.
The government also pointed to a perceived double standard in portrayals of Mr. Khan as uniquely committed to family rights and judicial accountability, referencing a 1997 paternity case in Los Angeles concerning Tyrian Jade White. In that case, Mr. Khan did not contest the proceedings, and a default judgment was entered declaring him her father. Officials argued that while this does not determine his current legal entitlements, it is relevant when politically charged assertions about family responsibility are made without context.
