The son of former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan has made alarming claims about his father's prison conditions, alleging the cricketer-turned-politician is being held in a "death cell with zero transparency" despite government assurances about his wellbeing.
Family's Desperate Plea for Proof of Life
Kasim Khan, one of Imran Khan's sons, stated on Thursday that there has been "no phone calls, no meetings and no proof of life" regarding his father's condition. He revealed that neither he nor his brother has had any contact with their father for an extended period.
The situation has become increasingly concerning as Khan has now spent 845 days under arrest, with the past six weeks allegedly in solitary confinement. Kasim further claimed that despite court orders permitting visits, Khan's sisters have been systematically denied permission to see him.
Government Denials Versus Family Allegations
These serious allegations come even as Pakistani authorities strongly refute rumors about Khan's health condition. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah and senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders have publicly stated that "nothing is wrong with him" and the PTI founder was "fine."
However, the family's concerns are supported by Khan's sister, Noreen Niazi, who described the current situation as Pakistan's "darkest period" and compared it to "Hitler-era-like repression." She provided disturbing details about her brother's previous isolation period, noting that "electricity was switched off, and he wasn't even allowed to read books" during a three-week solitary confinement last year.
Growing International Concern
Kasim Khan has called for immediate international intervention, urging the global community to "intervene urgently" and demand proof of life. He warned that the Shehbaz Sharif-led government and "its handlers" would be held accountable "legally, morally and internationally" for their actions.
The tension outside Adiala Jail has escalated dramatically, with family members and PTI supporters staging protests demanding access to the imprisoned former leader. Niazi described unprecedented treatment of women and supporters outside the jail, stating that "no one has ever disrespected women like this" in Pakistan's history.
Imran Khan has been serving a 14-year sentence in a corruption case since August 2023, though his political party continues to challenge his imprisonment and the conditions surrounding it.
