Kasim Khan, son of the incarcerated former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, has raised alarm bells internationally, demanding “proof of life” for his father. Khan, imprisoned since August 2023 on charges he vehemently denies as politically motivated, is allegedly being held in solitary confinement in what his son describes as a “death cell” at Adiala Jail for the past six weeks. Kasim Khan highlighted the complete lack of communication, stating his father has had no family contact, no access to legal representation, and no phone calls, notwithstanding court orders for weekly visits.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, Kasim Khan issued a dire warning to the Pakistani government and its associates, promising full legal, moral, and international accountability should anything befall his father due to this “cruel isolation.” Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, corroborated the family’s inability to verify his well-being, deeming the solitary confinement “illegal.” She suggested that the authorities might be apprehensive of a public outcry given Khan’s substantial support base. PTI officials have confirmed a lack of meetings with Khan since early November, leading to unsubstantiated death rumors that jail authorities have refuted, confirming his current good health and stable location.
Further amplifying these concerns, PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari pointed to the denial of basic amenities like books, newspapers, and necessary medical attention. The party also claims that court directives for visits involving up to six people, including Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi, are being deliberately ignored. Following his arrest in 2023, which ignited nationwide protests and a significant crackdown on the PTI, Khan is serving a lengthy sentence. The PTI alleges that instead of standard jail conditions, Khan is being subjected to conditions akin to a “terrorist cell” and enduring psychological torment.