The adult sons of Imran Khan, the former Pakistani prime minister, have made public accusations that the country’s army chief is conducting a personal campaign against their incarcerated father. Kasim Khan and Sulaiman Khan stated that the military leader, Asim Munir, is directing harsh treatment of their father in retaliation for past professional disputes. The younger Khan expressed deep worry about their father’s wellbeing, describing the detention environment as a form of psychological and physical abuse.
Imran Khan has been held at Adiala prison in Rawalpindi following his 2023 arrest and subsequent conviction on corruption charges, for which he received a 14-year sentence. The sons report they have had no contact with their father for more than six months and have been blocked from traveling to Pakistan to advocate for his release. They described his cell as measuring approximately 6 feet by 8 feet and noted restrictions on basic amenities including books and access to neutral medical professionals. Khan is reportedly suffering from an eye condition that has significantly damaged his vision, which they say was neglected for extended periods.
International bodies have raised concerns about Khan’s detention. The United Nations has characterized his prolonged imprisonment as a violation of international law, while a UN special rapporteur suggested his solitary confinement conditions could constitute psychological torture. A supreme court ruling ordered Khan to receive treatment at a private hospital for a blood clot in his retinal vein, though his sons contend the treatment provided fell short of appropriate care.
The Pakistani government has rejected these characterizations, issuing a statement describing allegations as “fake propaganda” and asserting that Khan has adequate conditions including home-cooked food, exercise equipment, and regular medical examinations. Khan’s political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, plans a nationwide demonstration later this month demanding his release. The case reflects ongoing tensions within Pakistan’s governance structure, where the military has historically wielded substantial influence over civilian affairs.
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