Imran Khan being tortured in jail, sons allege

LONDON: Sulaiman and Kasim Khan, the sons of former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Imran Khan, have claimed that their father is being subjected to torture while held in solitary confinement in Adiala jail.

His sons spoke to British journalist Mehdi Hasan in London, urging for their father’s immediate release.

“It’s very hard to just carry on with your normal life,” said Kasim, describing his father’s detention in a six-foot-eight cell, where “they’re not even allowing guards to speak to him, just to try and break him.”

He said that their last phone call with Khan was three months ago, and they have not seen him in person for three years.

Imran Khan has been in detention for over two years under a series of charges ranging from corruption to sharing state secrets. The UN special rapporteur on torture recently described his confinement as “inhumane” and “unlawful.”

His sons also spoke about the halted court-mandated calls, the Pakistani government’s refusal to provide protection if they return to Pakistan, and their disappointment over US President Donald Trump’s relationship with Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

In response, Prime Minister’s spokesman Mosharraf Zaidi denied the claims, stating that Khan is held in “designated living quarters” with a gym, outdoor lawn, and medical supervision.

He said that the former PM enjoys access to books, six hours outside his sleeping area daily, and a dedicated cook. Zaidi also said the children “will be treated with the rights and privileges due to all visitors,” warning that any visit could be politicised by Khan’s supporters.