Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has spent three years imprisoned in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, facing over 100 legal cases while his family and legal team report escalating health concerns and restricted access. According to his sons, Sulaiman and Kasim Khan, the 73-year-old former cricket legend has experienced severe anxiety and physical distress in solitary confinement, though government officials maintain that his detention conditions are humane and that he has received extensive medical evaluations.
Imran Khan was ousted in a 2022 vote of no confidence and subsequently faced charges including bribery, leaking state secrets, and illegally selling state gifts, all of which he denies. While all but one of his convictions have been suspended or overturned with appeals pending, his sons state they have not heard his voice in nearly six months, since a 20-minute phone call over Eid al-Fitr in March. According to Sulaiman, 29, and Kasim, 27, speaking in London, their father quickly steers conversations away from his own well-being during rare permitted contacts.
Medical Concerns and Legal Battles Over Hospital Access
Family members and legal representatives have raised urgent alarms regarding Khan’s physical and mental health inside Adiala Jail. According to his sons, Khan has suffered from significant heart rate spikes and palpitations due to severe anxiety. Furthermore, Khan’s lawyers reported in February that he had lost 85 percent of the vision in his right eye, and his sisters, Uzma and Noreen, noted during a recent visit that he was still wearing an eye patch and appeared visibly agitated.
These reports contrast sharply with statements from Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. In a statement sent to Al Jazeera, the ministry rejected allegations that Khan has been denied appropriate medical care or that the government failed to comply with Supreme Court directions. The ministry stated that reports of ill health are “not supported by prison or medical records” and noted that Khan has undergone 30 medical examinations since his imprisonment began, alongside regular checks by the prison doctor.
On August 18, a three-judge Supreme Court bench ruled that Khan should be moved to the private Shifa International Hospital within two days, granted weekly family visits, and allowed twice-weekly calls with his sons, alongside participation from his personal physician and sister in his medical care. However, rather than being transferred to Shifa International Hospital, Khan was taken to a government hospital, PIMS, for a brief check-up before returning to jail on August 20, prompting his party to file a contempt petition.
International Response and Family Advocacy
Support for Khan’s release and medical transparency has drawn international attention from the United Nations, Amnesty International, politicians in Washington and London, and 21 former cricket captains. Jemima Goldsmith, Khan’s ex-wife and mother to Sulaiman and Kasim, has appealed to Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, characterizing his three years in solitary confinement as a human rights emergency. Goldsmith also stated that her sons, who are British citizens, have been denied visas and warned of potential arrest if they travel to Pakistan.
Did you know?
According to data provided by Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Imran Khan has received approximately 198 interview sessions involving more than 900 visitor entries, including family members, lawyers, doctors, and political representatives, during his time in custody.
The Pakistani ministry maintained that Khan’s prison conditions are humane, providing facilities for sleeping, sanitation, and exercise, alongside separately prepared meals including meat, chicken, fruit, milk, nuts, juices, and bottled water. The ministry emphasized that access to a prisoner cannot serve as a platform for unrestricted political communication or activity from inside prison.
Despite the restrictions, Khan’s family continues to push for independent medical evaluations. “We want him independently checked, so we have proof,” Sulaiman told Al Jazeera. Kasim added that the family holds the government responsible for their father’s deteriorating health conditions and restrictions, demanding unbiased medical oversight to put public and familial concerns to rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Imran Khan imprisoned?
Imran Khan has been imprisoned since 2022 following his ouster in a vote of no confidence. He faces more than 100 legal cases, including charges of bribery, leaking state secrets, and illegally selling state gifts, all of which he denies.
What are the primary health concerns raised by his family?
According to his sons and legal representatives, Khan has suffered from severe anxiety, heart palpitations, and significant vision loss in his right eye, with family members reporting he spent months without proper visitation access.
What did the Pakistan Supreme Court rule regarding his medical care?
On August 18, a three-judge Supreme Court bench ruled that Khan be transferred to the private Shifa International Hospital, receive regular family visits and phone calls, and be allowed input from his personal physician regarding his medical care. He was instead taken to a government hospital, PIMS, briefly before returning to jail.
How has the Pakistani government responded to health allegations?
Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting rejected claims of inadequate medical care or isolation, stating that Khan has undergone 30 medical examinations and that prison records show nearly 198 interview sessions with approved visitors.
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