London, United Kingdom – Sulaiman and Kasim Khan, the sons of Imran Khan, a former Pakistani Prime Minister and cricket icon, have not received their father’s voice for nearly six months. The last time they spoke to Imran, over Eid al-Fitr in March, the call lasted 20 minutes. Kasim, 27, revealed this in a London interview with Al Jazeera, stating, ‘We don’t know how much time we have to speak. Usually it’s around the 20-minute mark. He frantically asks about our lives and gives us advice. But when we ask about him, he very quickly shuts it down. He doesn’t seem to want to talk too much about how he is.’ The last time Imran Khan was imprisoned in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, he has faced more than 100 legal cases, including charges of bribery, leaking state secrets, and illegally selling state gifts. He vehemently denies all accusations. All of his convictions but one have been suspended or overturned, with appeals pending. Khan’s family and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party believe the charges are politically motivated. Two of his sisters, Uzma and Noreen, were recently permitted to see him. They recalled him saying, ‘They were both quite disturbed by how agitated he was. He’s been mentally tortured with this solitary confinement.’ Kasim said, ‘His heart rate spikes considerably in his cell. He’s having palpitations due to severe anxiety. He’s the most calm, mentally strong person I’ve ever known by a considerable margin. To hear he’s facing anxiety, it’s unfathomable.’ Three years have passed since Khan was imprisoned in Adiala Jail. He has faced more than 100 legal cases since his 2022 ouster, including charges of bribery, leaking state secrets, and illegally selling state gifts. He maintains his innocence. His lawyers report that he had lost 85% of his right eye vision. Two months ago, a three-judge Supreme Court bench ruled that he should be moved to Shifa International Hospital. He was granted weekly family visits and twice-weekly calls with his sons, and the government was ordered to allow him to have a doctor and sister to provide medical care. Earlier, a cardiac board review found Khan had fluctuating blood pressure and anxiety, attributed to limited contact with his family. But he was instead taken to a government hospital, PIMS, for a brief check-up before returning to jail on August 20. Khan’s party has filed a contempt petition. ‘These government doctors are essentially told what to say,’ said Sulaiman. ‘We want him independently checked, so we have proof. What are they hiding?’ Kasim added, ‘The establishment currently has absolute power. Any efforts by the Supreme Court seem ineffective.’ The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting stated that reports of Khan’s ill health were ‘not supported by prison or medical records’. It described his prison conditions as humane, stating the facilities allow for ‘sleeping, sanitation and exercise.’ The Pakistani ministry also denied claims that Khan has been isolated or denied contact, saying, ‘Records show approximately 198 interview sessions involving more than 900 visitor entries. These include his sisters, family members, lawyers, doctors, political representatives and other approved visitors.’ It described his prison conditions as humane, saying the facilities allow for ‘sleeping, sanitation and exercise.’ Khan had kept his sons out of the limelight and neither sought a life in front of the cameras. Kasim said he holds the government responsible for their father’s deteriorating health. ‘If there’s hope that anyone can remain resilient through this period, it’s him, even though it’s so brutal in these conditions,’ he asked. But he continues to believe in his father’s strength. ‘If they reject any claims of mistreatment, prove it. Bring him to an unbiased doctor and hospital, and show the medical reports. It puts our minds at ease, and shows the people of Pakistan that their elected leader is healthy.’ The Pakistani ministry also denied claims that Khan has been isolated or denied contact, saying, ‘Records show approximately 198 interview sessions involving more than 900 visitor entries. These include his sisters, family members, lawyers, doctors, political representatives and other approved visitors.’ It described his prison conditions as humane, saying the facilities allow for ‘sleeping, sanitation and exercise.’ It said his prison conditions were ‘human,’ stating the facilities allow for ‘sleeping, sanitation and exercise.’ Khan had kept his sons out of the limelight and neither sought a life in front of the cameras. Kasim said he holds the government responsible for their father’s deteriorating health. ‘Where’s the humanity?’ The article concludes with a plea for the UK to intervene, emphasizing the importance of upholding human rights and ensuring the wellbeing of the imprisoned Pakistani leader. The article also highlights the growing international concern over Khan’s condition and the potential implications for his future.”]”tags”: [
Source: Al Jazeera
