Imran Khan’s Sons Allege ‘Awful’ Jail Conditions, Fear They May Never See Him Again

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is being held in “awful” and “inhumane” prison conditions and subjected to psychological torture, his sons Kasim Khan and Sulaiman Khan have alleged in a recent interview.

Speaking to Sky News, the two sons said Khan has spent more than two years in solitary confinement inside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, raising fears that they may never see their father again.

Claims of Solitary Confinement and Psychological Torture

According to Kasim Khan, the former prime minister is confined alone for nearly 23 hours a day, with limited human contact, poor sanitation and unsafe drinking water. He described the cell as a “death cell”, claiming that inmates around Khan have reportedly died from hepatitis.

“The conditions are not bad, they are awful,” Kasim said. “He has been in solitary confinement for over two years, drinking filthy water, surrounded by prisoners who are seriously ill.”

The brothers said they have not spoken to their father for seven months, adding that rumours about his health and alleged death circulating recently were “incredibly stressful”.

Sulaiman Khan alleged that his father is sometimes denied electricity and is not even allowed to speak freely to prison guards. He described the treatment as a deliberate attempt to break him mentally.

“He is being held in conditions that do not meet international legal standards for any prisoner,” Sulaiman said.

Family Plans Visit Amid Growing Concerns

Both sons, who live in the UK, said they have applied for visas and plan to travel to Pakistan in January, hoping to meet their father after a prolonged separation.

The interview comes amid renewed protests by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers and Imran Khan’s family members outside Adiala Jail. Earlier this week, Khan’s sisters and party supporters were dispersed by police using water cannons after being denied permission to meet him.

Government Denies Allegations

Pakistan’s government has rejected the claims made by Khan’s sons. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi told Sky News that Imran Khan has been imprisoned for about 860 days and has received hundreds of visits, asserting that prison regulations are being followed.

However, a United Nations official last week reminded Pakistan that prolonged or indefinite solitary confinement violates international human rights law and urged immediate corrective action.

Accusations Against Army Chief

Earlier this month, after meeting Imran Khan, his sister Uzma Khanum said his physical health was stable but alleged that he was facing “mental torture”. She accused Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir of being responsible for Khan’s treatment.

The PTI later released a statement attributed to Imran Khan, warning that General Munir should be held accountable if anything happened to him in custody.

Imran Khan has been in jail since 2023, facing multiple cases, including charges related to the illegal sale of state gifts. His detention remains a deeply polarising issue in Pakistan’s political landscape.