Sulaiman and Kasim Khan say their 73-year-old father has shown signs of severe anxiety and agitation after three years in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail. The Pakistani government rejects allegations of inadequate medical care or isolation.
Family reports on prison conditions
Sulaiman and Kasim Khan, the sons of former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan, have expressed alarm about their father's mental and physical state. They have not spoken with him since Eid al-Fitr in March. The brothers, speaking from London, described limited contact and said recent visits by their aunts left them disturbed.
They reported that Imran Khan, 73, experiences heart palpitations and spikes in heart rate linked to anxiety. The sons also noted that he has lost most vision in his right eye and continues to wear an eye patch. They stated he has spent extended periods without visitors and that court orders for medical access have not been fully implemented.
Government response
Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting denied the claims. It said Khan has received 30 medical examinations since his imprisonment and appears stable according to prison records. The ministry added that he has access to prepared meals and has had nearly 200 interview sessions with approved visitors.
On August 18, the Supreme Court ordered Khan's transfer to a private hospital, weekly family visits and twice-weekly calls with his sons. He was instead taken to a government facility for a short check-up before returning to jail. His party has filed a contempt petition over the handling of the order.
Background and calls for access
Imran Khan has faced more than 100 legal cases since his 2022 removal from office. Most convictions have been suspended or overturned. His family maintains the charges are politically motivated. International figures, including former cricket captains and human rights groups, have urged better medical access.
The sons said they hold the government responsible for what they describe as deteriorating conditions. They called for an independent medical evaluation to confirm his health status.
Key points
- Imran Khan has been held in Adiala Jail since 2023.
- His sons report anxiety and vision loss based on family accounts.
- The government cites multiple medical checks and denies isolation.
- Supreme Court orders on hospital transfer and visits remain disputed.
