A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss Imran Khan’s detention and reported prison conditions with the Pakistani government.
The lawmakers sent a letter to Rubio on Tuesday, raising concerns about the former prime minister and his wife, Bushra Bibi. Both remain in custody at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.
Imran Khan has remained imprisoned since August 2023. He is currently serving a sentence in the £190 million corruption case and also faces pending trials linked to the May 9, 2023 protests.
US Lawmakers Raise Prison Concerns
The lawmakers cited concerns previously raised by a United Nations special rapporteur regarding Khan’s detention conditions.
According to the letter, Khan spent up to 23 hours a day in solitary confinement. The lawmakers also referred to reports about serious problems with his eyesight.
They cited claims from Khan’s lawyer that he had lost 85% of his vision in his right eye. The letter also mentioned Khan’s earlier concerns about alleged “slow poisoning” during his detention.
The lawmakers also highlighted concerns surrounding Bushra Bibi’s treatment in custody. They cited reports alleging poor ventilation, excessive heat and limited access to clean drinking water.
The letter further referred to claims about restricted family and legal visits, weight loss, infections and untreated medical problems.
Lawmakers Seek Direct US Engagement
The lawmakers said the UN special rapporteur had called for immediate attention to the concerns surrounding both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi.
They asked the US State Department to review the reported conditions and assess their current status. They also urged Rubio to raise their detention and human rights concerns directly with Pakistan’s government.
The letter carries signatures from several bipartisan members of Congress, including Suhas Subramanyam, Joe Wilson, Ro Khanna, James McGovern, Pramila Jayapal, Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib.
US lawmakers have previously raised concerns about Khan’s imprisonment. In February 2025, Wilson and August Pfluger also urged Rubio to engage with Pakistan over Khan’s detention.
The latest letter indicates that concerns among some US lawmakers over Khan’s detention and alleged prison conditions remain active. The lawmakers have now called for direct diplomatic engagement between Washington and Islamabad on the issue.
