The sons of jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan have claimed that their father is being held in what they described as a “death cell” at Adiala Jail, where he faces “awful” and substandard conditions.
Speaking to Sky News in an interview, Imran Khan’s sons, Kasim and Sulaiman, said their father’s detention conditions violate basic human rights and international standards for prisoners.
“The jail conditions are awful,” Kasim said. Sulaiman added that his father’s cell resembles those used for death row inmates, describing it as a small space with barely any light. He further claimed that electricity is sometimes cut off, water supplied is dirty, and the overall environment does not meet international legal standards for prisoner treatment.
Imran Khan’s Continued Incarceration
Imran Khan has been imprisoned for more than two years, and his detention has remained a major point of political tension between the government and PTI. The party has repeatedly protested alleged mistreatment of its founder, with clashes reported between supporters, police and jail staff over access to the former prime minister.
Last week, police forcibly dispersed a sit-in staged by Imran Khan’s sisters outside Adiala Jail after officials said visiting hours had ended. In November, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also held a 16-hour protest outside the jail demanding access to the PTI founder.
The last reported family meeting took place on December 2, when Imran Khan’s sister Uzma met him following concerns raised by PTI over his health.
Government Denies Transfer Plans
Amid the ongoing controversy, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah recently hinted at the possibility of transferring Imran Khan to another prison. However, Adiala Jail authorities denied that any such proposal was under consideration.
During the interview, the brothers also addressed rumours circulating about their father’s death, which Sulaiman described as “incredibly stressful.” He said he immediately contacted family members in Pakistan for confirmation, as they had no other reliable sources on the ground.
Kasim added that such rumours were deeply distressing, particularly because of their physical distance and inability to intervene directly.
Plans to Visit Pakistan
The brothers said they plan to travel to Pakistan in January to meet their father, provided authorities honour earlier assurances. Kasim said they have already applied for visas and are awaiting approval.
Similar plans were reported earlier this year, when Imran Khan’s sister Aleema said the brothers intended to join PTI protests. At the time, Talal Chaudhry assured that visas or NICOPs would be issued if required.
Appeal for International Pressure
Responding to questions about international support, Sulaiman said they want global attention to ensure international human rights standards are upheld. Kasim stressed the need for implementation of court orders, respect for the rule of law and access to Imran Khan’s personal physician.
Both brothers said they were exploring further advocacy, including possible visits to Brussels or Geneva, warning that their father’s conditions were worsening and that “it is very hard to see a way out.”
