Pakistan's popular opposition leader and former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, is in solitary confinement, unable to meet anyone. Under the 'hybrid government' of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir, he has been held under harsh conditions, with rumors of his death circulating recently. However, following considerable uproar and international pressure, his sister was permitted to visit him in early December, quelling rumors temporarily. Concerns linger about the PTI founder's health.
Meanwhile, Imran Khan's sons, Qasim Khan and Suleman Khan, have come forward in an interview, claiming their father is kept in a 'death cell'. Speaking to Sky News journalist Yalda Hakim from the UK, Qasim Khan said they have applied for visas, planning to visit Pakistan in January. They alleged that their father is indeed in a 'death cell'.
This interview with his sons comes at a time when Imran's sisters are protesting to visit him. The police have cracked down on even peaceful protests, using water cannons to disperse them. PTI alleges the use of water mixed with 'chemical elements' by authorities.
Despite court orders, no one is allowed to meet Imran Khan in jail. The former Prime Minister's family and party express deep concern about his welfare within prison.
During an interview released early on Wednesday, when asked if they contacted the Pakistani government for visiting permissions, Qasim and Suleman, residing in London, explained that they were warned against traveling to Pakistan. In contrast, Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif had stated they could visit and meet Imran.
Qasim responded, 'We are now planning since they have said this openly. Unless they retract their words, we hope to visit in January. We have applied for visas... they haven’t arrived yet, but we hope to receive them and plan to travel to Pakistan in January.'
Asked what they would say to Imran or consider any 'deal,' Qasim emphasized that their father’s mission is to eradicate corruption from Pakistan. He said, 'If he signs any deal and comes to England, it would forever haunt him that he abandoned his country. This should be respected.'
Qasim wants to know how they can help Imran get released because he feels helpless. He shared that during phone calls, Imran avoids discussing his condition and instead inquires about the family’s well-being.
When asked if they believe Imran will be released, the sons expressed despair. Qasim indicated the situation is worsening, and those in power are growing stronger, making his father's release seem improbable. He admitted, 'We fear we may never see him again.'
Suleman remarked that Imran is not one to compromise, suggesting international pressure as the only viable means to effect change.
Describing jail conditions, Qasim said, 'The situation is dire.' Suleman added that the cell, a 'death cell,' has minimal light, electricity sometimes disrupted, and the water is unfit for international standards.
Amidst social media rumors of Imran's possible death, Suleman described the experience as highly stressful. Qasim called it 'gut-wrenching'.
The interview also mentioned that Imran’s sister Uzma Khanum visited him in early December. Based on her observations, Suleman mentioned that while his father appeared physically okay, he was displeased with his imprisonment conditions, expressing his anger during her visit, followed by attempts to further isolate him.
When Suleman was asked what message he’d share with global leaders like U.S. President Donald Trump, he stated, 'The least we expect is adherence to international human rights standards, currently being violated.' He also demanded 'independent oversight' of Imran's situation.
Qasim urged adherence to court orders and respect for the rule of law, demanding that Imran be allowed to meet his private doctors.
Regarding Pakistan's recent constitutional amendments, particularly the immunity given to Army Chief Munir, Qasim noted Imran wouldn't be surprised since the country is edging toward military dictatorship.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's foreign media advisor, Musharraf Zaidi, stated on Sky News that Imran Khan has been in jail for nearly 860 days, meeting hundreds and giving interviews during this period.
He claimed it is not solitary confinement; visits were paused for security reasons. Imran's private doctors have access, though political discussions are restricted under prison rules.
