In a stark revelation, the sons of imprisoned former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan have publicly accused authorities of subjecting the cricket legend-turned-politician to severe psychological torture. Kasim and Sulaiman Khan, in an exclusive interview with Sky News, painted a harrowing picture of their father's detention, describing his confinement as a 'death cell'.
Allegations of Inhumane Conditions
Kasim and Sulaiman Khan told Sky News' programme 'The World with Yalda Hakim' that they have been unable to speak with their father for several months. Khan was imprisoned by Pakistani authorities in August 2023. Kasim detailed that his father has been held in solitary confinement for over two years, enduring what he called disgusting conditions.
"He's been in a solitary confinement cell for over two years where he's had filthy water, he is around inmates who are dying of hepatitis," Kasim stated. He emphasized the complete isolation from human contact, adding, "It's getting harder to see a route out at this point. We're trying to have faith. But at the same time, right now, the conditions are getting worse."
The brothers further claimed that the World Cup-winning former captain is confined to his cell for 23 hours a day, with access to sunlight limited to a mere 20 minutes to an hour. Sulaiman asserted that these "completely substandard conditions" violate international law for prisoner treatment.
Political Suppression and International Scrutiny
The allegations gain a political dimension with claims from Suhail Afridi, the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. On Sunday, Afridi stated that efforts are actively underway to suppress Khan. Notably, Afridi, who is also a member of Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, revealed he was denied permission to meet the jailed leader.
The situation has now drawn the attention of the international community. The United Nations has formally called on the Pakistani government to address reports of the inhumane conditions. Alice Jill Edwards, the UN Special Rapporteur on torture, issued a statement last week urging compliance with international norms.
"I call on Pakistani authorities to ensure that Khan's conditions of detention fully comply with international norms and standards," Edwards said. She specifically referenced his transfer to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on 26 September 2023, noting reports of excessive solitary confinement, 23-hour daily cell confinement, highly restricted outside access, and constant camera surveillance in his cell.
A Growing Crisis
The claims by Khan's family, corroborated by a PTI spokesperson's statement that Khan is in "full isolation," point to a deepening crisis surrounding the former prime minister's incarceration. The involvement of a UN body underscores the gravity of the allegations and places significant diplomatic pressure on Islamabad.
As the legal and political battles continue, the focus has sharply turned to the physical and psychological well-being of Imran Khan, whose detention conditions are now a subject of global human rights discourse. The Pakistani government is yet to issue a detailed response to these latest allegations from his family.
