Imran Khan's Sons Demand Jail Access Amid Health Concerns
The sons of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan have issued a public plea for access to their father, who is currently imprisoned, citing serious concerns over his deteriorating health. Kasim Khan, 26, and Sulaiman Khan, 29, who reside in London, have not seen their father in person since November 2022 and are urging Pakistani authorities to allow them a visit after more than two years of separation.
Health Issues and Treatment Claims
Last week, Khan's lawyer informed Pakistan's Supreme Court that the 73-year-old former cricketer had suffered significant vision loss in his right eye while in custody. A medical board reported on Monday that swelling had reduced following treatment and his vision had improved. However, Khan's sons expressed uncertainty regarding this medical report. They managed to speak to their father on Thursday, marking their first conversation since September. During the call, Khan, who typically avoids discussing his health, conveyed frustration, stating he had "been denied treatment for his eye for a few months".
Kasim Khan said, "It's hard not to feel low at times because we've been away from him so long," referring to his father, whom he and his brother call 'Abba'. He added that Khan should be moved to a proper medical facility and have access to his private doctors. Authorities have stated that medical procedures are underway and reject opposition claims of neglect. The Supreme Court has sought details of his treatment.
Background and Legal Situation
Imran Khan has been jailed since August 2023 after convictions that he and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party describe as politically motivated. Since his ouster in a no-confidence vote in 2022, he has faced multiple cases, including those related to state gifts and an unlawful marriage. Some convictions have been suspended or overturned, with appeals pending. Khan denies any wrongdoing.
Kasim and Sulaiman were raised in Britain following Khan's divorce from their mother, British socialite and filmmaker Jemima Goldsmith. They have not seen their father since November 2022, after he survived an assassination attempt. The brothers said they applied for visas last month but have yet to receive a response. Sulaiman Khan speculated, "Maybe the establishment is worried that if we go and see him it would create more noise, and just more attention to his situation," when asked about the potential delay.
Broader Concerns and Political Context
Kasim emphasized that their immediate concern is his father's health, but there are other pressing issues, including "his freedom, abiding by correct human rights processes and also the rule of law and just ensuring that he's allowed a proper, fair trial". Broadcast outlets in Pakistan have been restricted from airing Khan's name and speeches or showing his image. Only a single court photograph has been publicly available since his imprisonment.
PTI, which swept to power in 2018, retains a large support base across key provinces. For four days, PTI supporters have blocked major highways linking Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Punjab, stranding thousands of vehicles and affecting fuel and food supplies in some areas. When asked if they had a message for Khan's supporters, Kasim urged them to "keep faith and keep fighting", adding, "It's the same kind of message we're trying to hold on to."
The Pakistani embassy in London and Pakistan's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the matter.
