Son Qasim demands proof that father Imran Khan is alive

Qasim Khan, the younger son of Pakistan’s imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has alleged that his father is being kept in ‘complete isolation’.

In a statement published by X, Qasim said the family has been denied access to meet Imran and there is no proof of his being alive. He described the situation as being ‘deliberately kept in darkness’.

Living outside Pakistan and away from active politics, Qasim stated that Imran Khan has been in custody for 845 days and for the past six weeks has been held in solitary confinement in a ‘death cell’. Despite court orders, the family has been denied visitation rights. He wrote, “No phone calls, no meetings, and no evidence of life has been received.”

The former cricket star turned politician Imran Khan is in jail after being convicted in various cases. His former wife Jemima Goldsmith and two sons, Qasim and Suleiman, have long been residing in the United Kingdom and remain away from active politics in Pakistan. Qasim said that for over a month, the Pakistani government has unannouncedly blocked family visits.

Qasim warned that the Pakistani government and their ‘handlers’ will be fully accountable legally, morally, and internationally for any incidents concerning Imran’s safety. He has called on the international community and human rights organisations for urgent intervention.

Qasim’s appeal stated, “Ensure proof of Imran Khan being alive, secure visits according to court orders, end this inhumane isolation, and demand the release of Pakistan’s most popular political leader detained for political reasons.”

Khaborwala/TSN