Imran Khan’s Sons Demand Access to Jailed Father

News Desk

Islamabad: The sons of former Prime Minister Imran Khan have called for renewed access to their father, saying they have not spoken to him since March and have limited information about his current condition.

In an interview with CNN, Imran Khan’s sons expressed concern over the lack of communication with the former premier, who has been in custody for several years.

“We’ve had no updates,” they said, adding that the family was “more in the dark” about his situation than ever before.

Their remarks came ahead of the third anniversary of Khan’s ongoing detention, as international rights groups continue to raise concerns over his access to family, legal representatives and medical facilities.

Amnesty International’s Acting Regional Director for South Asia, Isabelle Lassee, said authorities should restore Khan’s rights to meet his family and lawyers. She alleged that the former prime minister had faced restrictions on legal access, medical care and prolonged solitary confinement.

The rights organisation also called for similar access for Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi Khan, and urged authorities to ensure peaceful political activity ahead of planned gatherings by PTI supporters and Khan’s family.

Imran Khan, 72, served as Pakistan’s prime minister from 2018 until his removal from office through a vote of no confidence in April 2022. He was arrested in May 2023 and has remained in detention following another arrest in August 2023.

Since Khan’s imprisonment, his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has faced legal challenges, restrictions on political activities and arrests of several supporters following protests.

Amnesty International has previously criticised the cases against Khan, saying its review found concerns regarding due process. Khan, however, remains imprisoned in connection with corruption-related convictions, while Bushra Bibi is also serving sentences in cases involving the couple.

The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has previously raised concerns over Khan’s detention, while a UN expert also highlighted issues regarding detention conditions.

Pakistani authorities have rejected allegations of mistreatment, maintaining that Khan’s detention and legal proceedings are being conducted in accordance with the law.