Qasim and Suleman Khan, sons of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, have alleged that their father is being kept in complete isolation in jail — a situation they describe as amounting to psychological abuse.
The remarks were made during an interview with British journalist Mehdi Hasan. A four-minute preview of the interview has been released on the Zeteo website.
Imran Khan’s family and party have repeatedly raised concerns over his treatment in custody, particularly the denial of jail meetings despite court orders. A United Nations special rapporteur has also warned that the conditions under which Imran Khan is being held could fall within the definition of inhuman treatment.
Responding to government claims that Imran Khan enjoys “luxurious facilities” in prison, Qasim Khan rejected the assertion, calling it completely misleading. He said Imran Khan is confined to a small cell, measuring approximately six feet in length and eight feet in width, where even standing comfortably is difficult.
Qasim Khan said the conditions are extremely harsh, with dirty, brown water used for washing and poor-quality food provided. “My father is not someone who complains, but calling this luxury is far removed from reality,” he said.
Referring to a recent meeting between Imran Khan and his sister Uzma Khan, Qasim said his father was visibly distressed and deeply unhappy over being kept in total isolation. He claimed that not only fellow inmates but even jail staff are barred from speaking to him, depriving him of all human contact in what he described as a deliberate attempt to break his resolve.
During the interview, Mehdi Hasan also asked when the sons last had contact with their father. Suleman Khan said he last spoke to Imran Khan in late July. He added that while Pakistani courts allow weekly phone calls, this right has not been honored during more than two years of imprisonment.
