AKMCCC Hyderabad organizes health camp on World He…

The Government of Pakistan has categorically rejected allegations by the sons of former Prime Minister Imran Khan that he has been kept under a seven-month communications blackout and denied access to his family, lawyers and doctors, terming the claims “unsubstantiated” and contrary to official prison records. In a detailed response, the government said documented records showed that Imran Khan had continued to receive visitors, legal access and medical care during his imprisonment, rejecting what it described as an attempt to create an international controversy without evidence. According to the government, since the beginning of his conviction, prison records show 198 meetings involving more than 900 visitors, including family members, legal representatives and political associates. It said Khan was also allowed a weekly meeting with his wife, with the latest meeting taking place on 4 August 2026, the same day his sons made allegations of a communications blackout during an appearance on CNN. The government said prison authorities maintain records of approved visits and communications, including WhatsApp and landline calls with family members in Pakistan and abroad. It added that Khan’s last call with his son was recorded on 21 March 2026. The statement said any temporary restrictions were imposed under Pakistan Prison Rules, court orders and security requirements applicable to high-profile prisoners, particularly due to political activities outside the prison. “There is no prohibition on access; it is regulated under the law,” the government said, adding that prison meetings cannot be used as unrestricted political communication channels. Rejecting claims regarding medical treatment, the government said Imran Khan had received regular medical 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. The government said Khan underwent treatment for a retinal condition, including five intravitreal anti-VEGF injections, specialist examinations and retinal imaging. It added that his latest specialist assessment was carried out in July 2026, with further medication and follow-up care prescribed. According to the official statement, medical records describe Khan as “oriented and stable”, with no reported acute or unmanaged deterioration. The government said disclosure of medical reports remained subject to legal procedures, patient confidentiality and ongoing proceedings before the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Addressing the issue of Khan’s sons’ travel to Pakistan, the government said the matter involved separate processes relating to NICOP and visa requirements. It stated that overseas Pakistanis holding a valid NICOP are eligible for visa-free entry and rejected what it called an attempt to present an administrative matter as political victimisation. The statement also detailed the facilities provided to Imran Khan in prison, saying he was being kept in a separate compound with accommodation and amenities exceeding minimum requirements for prisoners in the same category. The government maintained that Imran Khan was being treated according to constitutional guarantees, prison laws and court directives, while insisting that no individual was entitled to a separate legal framework or exemption from security regulations.

QUETTA: The Balochistan government has imposed a ban on the transportation of nitrogen-based fertilizers across the province for 15 days over concerns that such materials could be misused for sabotage and terrorist activities. According to an official notification issued by the Directorate General of Agriculture Balochistan, the decision was taken in view of the prevailing law and order situation and to ensure the safety of lives and property across the province. The order states that the sale, purchase, supply and distribution of nitrogen-based fertilizers have been suspended with immediate effect. Authorities said the restriction aims to prevent the possible use of these fertilizers in the manufacture of explosive materials and other unlawful activities. The banned products include urea, calcium ammonium nitrate, ammonium nitrate and potassium nitrate. Officials said the restrictions will remain in force until further orders. The notification also directs all dealers, distributors and suppliers to maintain a complete record and inventory of their existing fertilizer stocks. Authorities warned that compliance with the order would be closely monitored and that legal action could be taken against those found violating the restrictions. The provincial government said the temporary measure is part of broader efforts to strengthen security and prevent the misuse of materials that could pose a threat to public safety.

The Sindh government has revised the weekly schedule for schools, restoring Saturday and Sunday as official weekly holidays for all public and private educational institutions across the province. According to the School Education and Literacy Department, the updated schedule has been approved by the chief secretary and will be implemented in all government and privately managed schools. Under the new arrangement, schools will operate five days a week, from Monday to Friday. To compensate for the reduced number of working days and ensure timely completion of the academic syllabus, daily teaching hours will be extended by one additional hour. Officials said the revised timetable aims to maintain the pace of academic activities while providing students and teachers with a two-day weekend. The latest decision replaces an earlier directive issued last month, under which all public and private schools in Sindh had been instructed to observe a six-day working week from August 1, with classes scheduled from Monday to Saturday. The change comes shortly after educational institutions resumed classes following the two-month summer vacation, which lasted from June 1 to July 31. Education authorities said the revised schedule will apply uniformly across the province and schools have been directed to implement the updated working days and teaching hours accordingly.