The sister of Pakistan's imprisoned former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, has publicly confirmed he is in good physical health, seeking to quell widespread rumours about his wellbeing. Uzma Khan was permitted her first family visit in weeks to the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, 2 December 2025.
First Family Visit in Weeks
Speaking to reporters outside the prison facility, Uzma Khan stated she found her 73-year-old brother "perfectly in good health". The visit was the first granted to any family member since 4 November, ending a period of intense speculation among his supporters. Hundreds of officers were deployed around the prison amid a ban on rallies, as anxious supporters of Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party gathered outside, waiting for news.
Anger Over 'Mental Torture' of Solitary Confinement
Despite his good physical condition, Uzma Khan reported her brother was "very angry" about his treatment. She quoted the former cricket star as saying the "mental torture" of his largely solitary conditions was "worse than physical abuse". His spokesperson, Zulfiquar Bukhari, echoed these sentiments, denouncing the restrictions on access as a form of psychological pressure. Only one sister was allowed a brief meeting, with Bukhari calling for regular access for Khan's family and legal team.
Khan has been serving multiple concurrent prison terms since 2023 on convictions for corruption and other charges, which he and his supporters allege are politically motivated. His wife, Bushra Bibi, convicted on graft charges, is held in the same prison but they are not permitted to meet except during court appearances.
Political Context and Ongoing Allegations
The former prime minister was ousted via a no-confidence vote in April 2022. His party maintains that its mandate was stolen in the 2024 parliamentary elections, alleging the vote was rigged in favour of the current Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif – a charge the government denies. Khan's convictions span charges from corruption to revealing state secrets.
Uzma Khan's remarks appear strategically aimed at reassuring Khan's millions of supporters both in Pakistan and abroad, after rumours had escalated to the point of questioning whether he was still alive. Authorities had previously dismissed all such speculation as baseless.
