Imran Khan Held in Solitary Confinement

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is reportedly being held in solitary confinement and denied all contact with the outside world. His son, Qasim Khan, claimed on 27 November through a social media post that his father is being kept alone in a cell typically reserved for death row inmates. Khan’s family have not been allowed to see him despite court orders permitting visits.

Qasim Khan further stated that his father has not been able to communicate via phone with family members, and no proof of his well-being has been provided. He described the confinement conditions as mentally torturous, alleging that Imran is being held for 22 hours a day, prevented from seeing his doctors, and kept completely isolated from the outside world. “This is deliberate cruelty aimed at breaking his morale,” Qasim asserted.

The family, including Qasim, his elder brother Suleiman Khan, and Imran’s former wife Jemima Goldsmith, have appealed to the United Nations and international human rights organisations for intervention. They are demanding proof of Imran’s well-being and the provision of court-mandated visitation rights.

Meanwhile, Imran Khan’s three sisters—Nureen, Alima, and Uzma Khan—along with senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, staged protests outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. They pressed authorities to allow family visits and to provide evidence of Imran’s condition. On Friday, the protesters temporarily suspended their overnight demonstration to file a contempt of court petition against the jail superintendent in the Islamabad High Court.

The Pakistani government has reportedly warned that if Qasim or Suleiman attempt to meet their father, they too could face arrest. Imran Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023, facing multiple charges including corruption and anti-terrorism offences.

Despite social media and foreign media speculation regarding his health, government officials insist that Imran is in good condition. Nevertheless, opposition parties have demanded the lifting of restrictions on his family and party leaders, warning of nationwide protests if their demands are not met.