Social posts circulated an image claiming to show jailed ex-prime minister Imran Khan receiving treatment at Islamabad's PIMS hospital, but analysis indicates the picture is AI-generated. OpenAI's verification tool detected a SynthID watermark, and visual inconsistencies—such as a misplaced toilet roll dispenser and a different room layout—support that finding. PIMS confirmed a June 15 eye procedure for Khan but has not released any images or video of his visits, and AFP had not received a response from the hospital. The case underscores how synthetic media can complicate reporting on high-profile figures' health.
AI-Generated Image Falsely Claimed To Show Imran Khan Receiving Treatment At PIMS
Screenshot of the falsely shared post captured on August 13, 2026, with a red X and AI label added by AFP
Social media posts circulated an image purporting to show jailed former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan receiving medical care at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. Verification by news agencies and image-analysis tools indicates the picture is synthetic.
What Was Shared
On August 11, 2026, a Facebook post (screenshot captured August 13) surfaced with an Urdu caption claiming: "A recent photo of Imran Khan from PIMS hospital. His face indicates his health is improving." The image appears to show Khan in a hospital bed attended by a doctor and several others.
Screenshot comparison of the falsely shared image (L) and a Google Maps photo of a PIMS room, with differences magnified by AFP
Verification Findings
Multiple signals point to an AI origin. Detection software flagged the file as synthetic, and OpenAI's verification tool identified a SynthID watermark embedded in the image. Analysts also noted visual inconsistencies—such as an unusually placed toilet roll dispenser near the bed headboard—and differences when compared with a geotagged Google Maps photo of a PIMS ward.
Official Records And Context
PIMS administrators last confirmed treating Khan in a public press release dated June 15, 2026, stating he underwent a scheduled intravitreal eye injection and was clinically stable. The hospital has not released any photos or video footage of that visit or of subsequent returns for treatment, and AFP had not received a comment from PIMS by the time of publication.
Screenshot of the OpenAI tool's results
Background
Khan has been detained since 2023 and, along with his wife, was sentenced to 17 years on corruption charges they deny. He served as prime minister from 2018 until his removal in a 2022 no-confidence vote. Since his detention, Khan and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), have called many of the charges politically motivated. Family members have publicly expressed concern about his health and urged independent specialist reviews; PTI previously said on January 27 that Khan was diagnosed with a blood clot in his right eye.
Why This Matters
AI-generated imagery can spread quickly and be mistaken for documentary evidence—especially when official photos are not available. Verification tools, careful visual analysis, and official statements are essential to separate fact from manipulated media in high-profile cases.
AFP and other fact-checkers have previously debunked misinformation about Khan's health and detention conditions. This incident highlights the growing role of synthetic media in shaping public perception around prominent figures.
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