Kasim and Sulaiman, sons of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, have voiced renewed worries about their father’s wellbeing, claiming Pakistani authorities are obstructing visits by family members, lawyers, and doctors. Speaking from London, the brothers revealed they have had no updates on Khan’s condition as they have been barred from seeing him for seven months.
Their statements coincided with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) commemorating the third anniversary of Khan’s imprisonment, calling for the release of both Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi. Imran Khan, who was prime minister from 2018 until his removal via a parliamentary no-confidence vote in April 2022, has been incarcerated since August 2023 following convictions in multiple cases, including corruption and disclosure of state secrets.
Khan and his supporters insist these charges are politically motivated, an assertion the government consistently denies. After his ousting, Khan led significant protests against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration, accusing it of orchestrating his removal. The government responded with a crackdown on PTI, detaining several party leaders.
Kasim and Sulaiman told CNN that public statements about their father have resulted in increased difficulties in visiting him, with authorities delaying administrative procedures and creating obstacles. Kasim expressed frustration, stating, “We’re trying, we’d like to go, but nothing’s coming through. There’s no reason we shouldn’t be accepted.”
Pakistan’s Ministry of Information countered that both brothers possess National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), which permit entry into Pakistan without visas, calling their claims misleading and accusing them of politicizing administrative issues. However, the brothers noted their NICOP cards had expired and had not been renewed, a point the ministry did not directly address.
When asked about the possibility of Khan accepting a political settlement, Sulaiman doubted his father would agree to any deal that excluded other political prisoners, emphasizing that Khan would not leave others behind without a resolution for all. Kasim echoed skepticism about such an outcome but acknowledged the unpredictability of the situation.
Highlighting concerns about Khan’s health, Kasim lamented the refusal to provide any health reports, suggesting his condition may have worsened significantly. He appealed to those in power to recognize the gravity of the situation, stressing that millions of supporters want Khan to lead the country, yet he remains imprisoned without just cause.
Earlier this week, Amnesty International urged Pakistani authorities to restore the rights of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi to meet with family and lawyers unconditionally. The organization also called for adequate medical care and an end to what it described as unlawful solitary confinement.
In response, the Pakistani government firmly rejected allegations of a communications blackout or denial of access, stating that official records confirm Khan has had repeated and substantial visits. The government noted Khan’s most recent phone call with a son occurred on March 21, 2026, indicating that access is regulated under prison rules, court orders, and security protocols applicable to high-profile inmates.
The government also dismissed claims about Khan’s health, describing him as “oriented and stable” without any acute or unmanaged deterioration. It affirmed that Khan continues to receive medical treatment, medication, and follow-up care in line with medical advice and court directives.
Regarding prison conditions, officials stated Khan is housed in an exclusive seven-cell compound designed for 30 to 35 prisoners, equipped with a corridor, lawn, bed, mattress, pillows, blankets, table, chair, sanitation facilities, and exercise equipment. They emphasized that these arrangements contradict the portrayal of isolation or neglect being circulated publicly.
Adiala Jail Superintendent Abdul Ghafoor Anjum informed the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that Khan is not held in solitary confinement, refuting claims made in a petition filed by Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan. The superintendent’s detailed report confirmed Khan has access to natural light, fresh air, exercise, and daily movement within the prison.
The report was submitted in response to Aleema Khan’s petition alleging solitary confinement and denial of access to family and lawyers. It stated Khan’s accommodation complies with prison regulations, ensuring privacy and adequate access to natural elements. Khan is permitted to exercise from sunrise to sunset and can move freely during unlocked hours, engaging in activities of his choice throughout the day.
