Imran Khan's Sons Demand Jail Access Amid Health Concerns
The sons of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan have raised urgent concerns about his deteriorating health while incarcerated, demanding immediate access to see him after more than two years of separation. Kasim Khan, 26, and Sulaiman Khan, 29, speaking from their residence in London, revealed that during a rare phone call with their father last Thursday, he expressed frustration over being "denied treatment for his eye for a few months."
Health Issues and Conflicting Reports
Last week, Khan's lawyer informed Pakistan's Supreme Court that the 73-year-old former cricketer had suffered significant vision loss in his right eye while in custody. However, a medical board stated on Monday that swelling had reduced following treatment and his vision had improved. The sons voiced uncertainty regarding this medical report, noting that their father typically avoids discussing his health but made an exception during their conversation.
"It's hard not to feel low at times because we've been away from him so long," Kasim said of his father, whom he and his brother call 'Abba'. He emphasised that Khan should be moved to a proper medical facility and granted access to his private doctors to ensure adequate care.
Authorities Respond and Legal Context
Pakistani authorities have stated that medical procedures are underway and reject opposition claims of neglect. The Supreme Court has sought detailed information about his treatment regimen. Imran Khan has been jailed since August 2023 following convictions that he and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party describe as politically motivated.
Since his ouster in a 2022 no-confidence vote, Khan has faced multiple legal cases, including allegations over state gifts and an unlawful marriage. Some convictions have been suspended or overturned, with appeals still pending. He consistently denies any wrongdoing.
Family Separation and Visa Delays
Kasim and Sulaiman were raised in Britain after Khan's divorce from their mother, British socialite and filmmaker Jemima Goldsmith. They have not seen their father in person since November 2022, following an assassination attempt he survived. The brothers applied for visas to visit Pakistan last month but have yet to receive a response from authorities.
"Maybe the establishment is worried that if we go and see him it would create more noise, and just more attention to his situation," Sulaiman speculated when asked about the potential delay. The Pakistani embassy in London and Pakistan's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the matter.
Broader Concerns and Political Climate
Kasim highlighted that while their immediate concern is his health, other pressing issues include "his freedom, abiding by correct human rights processes and also the rule of law and just ensuring that he's allowed a proper, fair trial." Broadcast outlets in Pakistan have faced restrictions from airing Khan's name, speeches, or showing his image, with only a single court photograph publicly available since his imprisonment.
PTI, which swept to power in 2018, retains a large support base across key provinces. For four consecutive days, PTI supporters have blocked major highways linking Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Punjab, stranding thousands of vehicles and disrupting fuel and food supplies in some areas.
When asked if they had a message for Khan's supporters, Kasim urged them to "keep faith and keep fighting," adding, "It's the same kind of message we're trying to hold on to." The situation underscores ongoing tensions in Pakistan's political landscape as Khan's health and legal battles continue to draw international attention.
