Jemima Goldsmith, the former wife of Imran Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and ex-prime minister, has appealed to British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband to publicly address what she terms a “human-rights emergency” involving Khan’s detention in Pakistan.
In a statement posted on X on Monday, Goldsmith questioned the British government’s continued silence regarding Khan’s treatment. She accused Pakistani authorities of subjecting him to extended solitary confinement and restricting his contact with family members.
Goldsmith emphasized that for three years, Khan, the father of her two sons, has faced harsh punishment driven by political adversaries. She described the conditions of his detention as tantamount to torture, severely affecting his physical and mental wellbeing.
She detailed that Khan has endured three years in solitary confinement and has been denied family visits for nearly ten months, along with limited access to books, legal counsel, and medical care. Citing the United Nations’ Nelson Mandela Rules, she highlighted that solitary confinement beyond 15 consecutive days is prohibited and constitutes torture.
Goldsmith also pointed to recent Supreme Court orders mandating comprehensive medical treatment, access to Khan’s personal physician, regular family visits, and biweekly phone calls with his sons. However, she alleged these directives are being ignored.
Last week, Khan was briefly transferred to PIMS hospital for a medical checkup before being returned to Adiala jail. His family and lawyers objected, as the court had ordered his transfer to Islamabad’s Shifa International Hospital.
She stressed that Khan’s situation should no longer be seen solely as a domestic political issue in Pakistan but rather as a pressing human rights concern. Goldsmith underscored Khan’s deep ties to the UK, noting his education at Oxford University, leadership as Oxford’s cricket captain, and participation in county cricket in England.
Additionally, she referenced his philanthropic efforts in Pakistan, including founding a cancer hospital and a university. Goldsmith noted that her sons with Khan, Sulaiman and Kasim, are British citizens who have been unable to visit their father. She claimed they were denied visas, threatened with arrest by Pakistani officials, and barred from maintaining regular phone contact despite court orders.
Goldsmith revealed she has repeatedly urged the UK government to intervene, but previous behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts have failed. She mentioned correspondence from former British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who reportedly indicated that Britain would not act if her sons were arrested while visiting Pakistan.
She called on the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to publicly demand Pakistan’s compliance with the Supreme Court’s rulings. Goldsmith urged the UK to press for restoration of Khan’s medical care and family contact, an end to his prolonged isolation, and respect for his basic rights.
Highlighting Pakistan’s status as a Commonwealth country, she reminded that Britain has a longstanding commitment to opposing arbitrary detention and inhumane treatment. Imran Khan has been in custody since August 2023, facing convictions he and his party claim are politically motivated.
Goldsmith concluded by appealing to Prime Minister Burnham’s newly formed government to “do the right thing” and speak out publicly about Khan’s treatment. Burnham assumed office in July, with Miliband appointed as foreign secretary in his administration.
