Qasim and Sulaiman Isa Khan, sons of the imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan, have pledged to escalate international advocacy for their father’s freedom. They plan to engage governments, legislators, and human rights groups in Western capitals regarding his detention and alleged denial of sufficient medical care.
During an online press conference on Tuesday, joined by Khan’s international affairs advisor Zulfi Bukhari and legal counsel Jared Genser, the two sons voiced deep worry about their father’s health and called for an independent medical assessment to verify his condition.
Qasim emphasized the family’s commitment to securing Khan’s release, stating, “We will do everything possible to bring our father out of jail.” Meanwhile, Sulaiman described Khan as resilient but noted the family’s concern after learning he suffered from blood pressure and anxiety issues. He recalled their last in-person meeting on November 22, 2022, following an assassination attempt, and their most recent phone call in March 2026.
Challenging government assertions of Khan’s good health, Qasim demanded an independent medical examination to confirm these claims. Sulaiman echoed this demand, insisting the family deserves proof of their father’s wellbeing.
Efforts to rally international support are underway. Qasim revealed contacts with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters and lawmakers in the United States, and attempts to reach former US President Donald Trump, though with limited success due to shifting priorities. He also mentioned outreach to the British government for permission to visit Pakistan, which has yet to yield positive results.
The brothers have been discouraged from traveling to Pakistan amid fears of arrest and safety concerns. They remain determined to press the international community to address Khan’s detention and urgent medical needs, emphasizing the necessity of access to specialist doctors and proper facilities.
Sulaiman accused Pakistani authorities of mistreating political opponents and warned that the country is moving toward dictatorship. He also alleged that Khan is being held in solitary confinement. The government denies these claims, insisting Khan is treated as a convicted prisoner with access to medical care, family, and legal counsel. Officials assert that medical examinations have been conducted and reports do not support allegations of neglect.
The controversy over Khan’s medical treatment has sparked a fresh legal battle. On August 18, the Supreme Court ordered his transfer from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for comprehensive medical evaluation by a multidisciplinary panel. However, on August 20, he was instead taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and later returned to jail after doctors declared him fit.
Khan’s family and PTI accuse authorities of ignoring the court’s directive, while the government argues that proper medical care was provided. PTI has filed a contempt petition against the government’s non-compliance, and the government has challenged the court’s order. Security concerns were cited as justification for Khan’s transfer to PIMS rather than Shifa, with PIMS confirming that Shifa specialists participated in his eye exam, though medical details remain confidential.
Legal counsel Jared Genser framed Khan’s detention as a human rights issue, announcing plans to expand the legal and political campaign internationally. He alleged severe restrictions on Khan, including limited medical care, restricted family and legal visits, and harsh detention conditions. Genser also claimed Khan was denied access to his personal doctor and suffered health problems such as blurred vision and nausea. He urged the Supreme Court to suspend Khan’s sentences pending appeal decisions.
Bukhari confirmed PTI’s ongoing international lobbying efforts, building on previous campaigns in the US, UK, and other Western capitals. He acknowledged that global support has been limited due to broader international circumstances but reiterated plans to renew outreach to governments and human rights organizations like Amnesty International to pressure Pakistan over Khan’s treatment.
PTI’s lobbying has previously involved US lawmakers, with dozens calling for Khan’s release in 2024. The US House of Representatives adopted a bipartisan resolution supporting democracy and human rights in Pakistan and calling for an investigation into alleged electoral irregularities. Additionally, a UN working group declared Khan’s detention arbitrary and in violation of international law, demanding his release—a stance rejected by Pakistan.
Bukhari also projected a reconciliatory tone regarding Khan’s potential political return, suggesting the former prime minister would not seek vengeance against those responsible for his imprisonment. He indicated Khan’s willingness to strengthen state institutions rather than target individuals, referencing a recent interview where Khan expressed no intention to confront Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir if freed.
Domestically, PTI plans to continue political mobilization, including a nationwide protest march scheduled for September 27 demanding Khan’s release, fair legal processes, and greater access to him. Imran Khan has been held in Adiala Jail since August 2023, facing over 100 cases related to events before and after his removal from office in April 2022.
