The adult sons of imprisoned former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan have alleged their father is suffering physical and mental deterioration in Rawalpindi prison, claims flatly rejected by Pakistan's government, which maintains he receives appropriate care and regular family contact.
Sulaiman and Kasim Khan, the British-citizen sons of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, have publicly expressed alarm about their father's wellbeing during his three-year detention in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail. The brothers told Al Jazeera they have not heard their father's voice in nearly six months, with their last conversation occurring in March during Eid al-Fitr. During recent visits by his sisters, Khan allegedly appeared agitated and anxious, with one son claiming he experiences heart palpitations and severe anxiety while confined to his cell. Additionally, Khan's lawyers reported in February that he has lost 85% of vision in his right eye.
Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting categorically denied the family's allegations, stating that Khan has not been subjected to solitary confinement, cruelty, or deprivation. The government disclosed that prison records show approximately 198 interview sessions involving over 900 visitor entries from family members, lawyers, and doctors. Officials also stated that Khan receives home-cooked meals including meat, chicken, fruit, and milk, alongside access to exercise equipment and appropriate medical care through 30 documented examinations since his imprisonment began.
A significant dispute emerged after a three-judge Supreme Court bench ruled in August that Khan should be moved to a private hospital, granted weekly family visits, and twice-weekly calls with his sons. However, he was instead transferred to a government hospital for a brief check-up before returning to jail, prompting his party to file a contempt petition. Khan's son Kasim challenged the government's medical assessments, questioning their independence and asking authorities to provide transparent proof of his father's health status through unbiased medical evaluation.
Khan, 73, has faced over 100 legal cases since his 2022 political ouster, though all but one of his convictions have been suspended or overturned pending appeal. His family and political party contend the charges are politically motivated. International support for his release has come from the United Nations, Amnesty International, and various political figures globally.