Kasim Khan recently shared in an interview his deep concerns for his father, Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan. Imran Khan, a well-known cricket star turned politician, is currently serving a 14-year prison sentence on charges of corruption that his family claims are fabricated.
Imran Khan’s family has alleged that he is being subjected to harsh treatment in prison, including prolonged periods of solitary confinement, inadequate medical care for a worsening eye condition, and restricted communication with his loved ones. Kasim Khan expressed his distress over the situation, emphasizing the family’s desperate need for information about his father’s well-being.
The political party led by Imran Khan, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), is actively challenging the government’s actions regarding Khan’s treatment. They are planning nationwide protests to demand his release, while the government denies any mistreatment allegations.
Imran Khan, who served as Prime Minister from 2018 to April 2022, was removed from office through a no-confidence vote. Subsequently, he was arrested in August 2023 on multiple charges and later sentenced to 14 years in prison for land corruption in January 2025. Khan has consistently maintained his innocence, attributing the legal actions against him to a vendetta by the military and intelligence agencies aimed at undermining him and his political party.
Concerns have been raised about Khan’s deteriorating health in prison, including a blood clot behind his right eye. His family and legal team have reported instances of alleged torture during his detention. International bodies, including the UN special rapporteur on torture, have called for action to address the reported inhumane treatment of Imran Khan in prison.
Despite the government’s assertions of providing adequate facilities to Khan, his family insists that the conditions he faces are far from satisfactory. The government’s resistance to allowing Khan access to independent medical care has sparked further controversy. Calls for international intervention to secure Imran Khan’s freedom have been amplified, with hopes pinned on external support for his release.
Kasim Khan has emphasized the urgent need for global intervention on his father’s behalf, citing the challenges faced due to alleged personal vendettas within the country. Efforts have been made at various levels, including a petition presented in the Canadian Parliament, calling for Imran Khan’s release on humanitarian grounds. The situation continues to evolve, with ongoing scrutiny from the international community on the treatment of Imran Khan in Pakistani custody.