'Hoax': Khawaja Asif says Imran health claims aimed at creating panic, triggering protests

• Asif says Imran's sister found him “absolutely fit” after checking his BP.
• Says Imran underwent about 30 medical exams since imprisonment.
• He accuses Imran supporters of creating panic over his health.

Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Saturday said the statement by PTI founder Imran Khan's sister and doctors, after meeting him, had established that the former prime minister was in good health, while accusing his supporters of spreading alarm over his condition.

In a post on X, Asif said Imran's sister, who is a doctor and had met him along with other doctors, had given a clear assessment of his health.

“Bilkul fit, Alhamdulillah,” Asif quoted her as saying, adding that she had also checked Imran's blood pressure, which was “perfectly normal”.

Asif said the assessment had not been welcomed by Imran's supporters, particularly those overseas, who he accused of trying to create “an atmosphere of sorrow and anxiety” to trigger panic and protests.

He alleged that the aim was to create a crisis that could lead to a change of government and pave the way for Imran's political comeback.

“Their hopes have been dashed,” Asif said.

He further alleged that efforts were continuing through foreign media to portray Imran's health as seriously deteriorating.

“A hoax they desperately need,” he said.

Government rejects claims of medical neglect

Asif's post came as he tagged a post by CNN journalist Becky Anderson, which included a statement from the government responding to reports about Imran's health and detention conditions.

The government categorically rejected allegations that Imran had been denied appropriate medical care, saying he had undergone approximately 30 medical examinations by specialist teams and medical boards since his imprisonment.

According to the government, these involved institutions including PIMS, Shifa International, Shaukat Khanum and Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, in addition to regular examinations by the prison doctor.

The government said specialist assessments conducted in July and on August 21, 2026, repeatedly described Imran as “oriented, stable” and without any recorded acute or unmanaged deterioration.

It also said Imran had received specialist treatment for a retinal condition, including five intravitreal anti-VEGF injections, retinal imaging, medication and follow-up examinations.

Referring to Imran's sister, the government said Dr Uzma Niazi had recently told the media that he was “100 percent fit” and cited a blood pressure reading of 120/80. It added that she had indicated his eye condition had almost completely healed and praised the treatment provided by his eye specialist.

The government also rejected claims that Imran had been completely isolated from his family, saying prison records showed approximately 198 interview sessions involving more than 900 visitor entries, including visits by his sisters, family members, lawyers, doctors and political representatives.

It said Imran had also been permitted weekly meetings with his wife, with the latest recorded meeting taking place on August 4, 2026, while meetings with his sisters were recorded on August 18, 19 and 25.

The government said it had complied with Supreme Court directions concerning Imran's medical examination and treatment, adding that his sister was present during the medical examination.

It urged media outlets to distinguish between “verified custodial and medical records” and politically contested allegations, saying the issue had been presented in an unnecessarily politicised manner.