In a significant development concerning the ongoing detention of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, his sons have publicly accused the government of intentionally obstructing their attempts to visit their ailing father in prison. Kasim Khan, in a detailed statement posted on social media platform X, asserted that he and his brother Suleiman are being systematically "denied visas" despite submitting formal applications last December with plans to travel in January.
Allegations of Deliberate Obstruction and Deteriorating Health
Kasim Khan's statement paints a troubling picture of his father's current circumstances. He revealed that Imran Khan has now endured 914 days in solitary confinement, during which his health has notably declined. The former leader, aged 72, recently underwent an eye procedure at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad, where medical professionals confirmed that pressure in his eye blood vessels has adversely affected his vision.
More alarmingly, the family claims Khan has been denied access to independent medical care for over a year, including consultations with his personal physician. "Denying a prisoner treatment is cruel," Kasim stated, characterising the visa refusals as a form of "collective punishment" aimed at preventing his children from providing support and witnessing his condition firsthand.
Growing Concerns Over Transparency and Welfare
The visa controversy emerges amidst heightened anxiety about Khan's wellbeing. His political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has accused authorities of withholding crucial details about his medical state for several days following his eye procedure. Furthermore, Kasim and Suleiman Khan expressed profound fears that officials might be concealing "something irreversible" about their father's health, citing weeks without verifiable evidence that he remains alive and receiving appropriate care.
This situation has reignited longstanding tensions regarding access to the imprisoned former premier. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has acknowledged that a comprehensive ban on meetings with Khan has been enforced since December 2025. However, officials at Adiala Jail maintain that Khan is receiving all facilities entitled to B-class prisoners under Pakistani law, including healthcare, specially prepared meals, exercise opportunities, reading materials, and daily walks.
International Appeals and Political Context
In his public appeal, Kasim Khan urgently called upon international human rights organisations and foreign governments to intervene, stressing the need for action "before irreversible harm is done." This plea underscores the family's perception that domestic avenues for redress have been exhausted.
The backdrop to this familial drama is deeply political. Imran Khan was removed from office in 2022 via a parliamentary vote of no confidence, which he alleges was orchestrated by the Pakistani military with American involvement. His imprisonment in August 2023 followed multiple convictions in cases he insists are politically motivated. These include the high-profile Toshakhana case concerning alleged unlawful sale of state gifts, a case linked to a leaked diplomatic cable, and a corruption case involving the Al-Qadir Trust charity's land dealings. Khan and PTI maintain these legal actions are designed to eliminate him from public life and future electoral contests.
The Independent has contacted Pakistan's foreign ministry for comment on the visa allegations and the broader concerns regarding Khan's treatment, but no response has been received at the time of publication.
