Kasim Khan and Sulaiman Isa Khan, the sons of Pakistan’s imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan, have expressed grave concern over their father’s health and safety. Speaking to international news network CNN on the third anniversary of his arrest, they alleged that Pakistani authorities have barred family members, doctors, and lawyers from meeting him for seven months.
Meanwhile, thousands of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters held nationwide demonstrations on Wednesday demanding the release of the former cricket icon and his wife, Bushra Bibi.
Speaking from London, Kasim and Sulaiman stated that the Pakistani government has created bureaucratic hurdles and refused to issue visas to facilitate their visit.
“The authorities are refusing to show us any medical reports regarding my father’s health,” Kasim Khan said. “With all communication cut off for seven months, we fear his physical condition may have deteriorated drastically in prison.”
Sulaiman added that his father would not compromise or reach a political deal for his own release while leaving other political prisoners behind bars.
International human rights organization Amnesty International issued a statement urging Pakistani authorities to grant Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi “unconditional access” to their family and legal representation, while calling an immediate end to their “unlawful solitary confinement.”
Kasim and Sulaiman highlighted that the mandate of the country’s population is being disregarded by keeping their elected leader incarcerated for political reasons. Speaking not just as sons but on behalf of the nation’s future and democratic process, they made an urgent appeal to global leaders to address the ongoing human rights crisis in Pakistan.
