Imran Khan’s sons appeal to Trump for justice

LONDON: The sons of former Prime Minister Imran Khan have appealed to US President Donald Trump and other global leaders to help secure their father’s release from prison, calling for international pressure on Pakistan.

In a rare interview with entrepreneur and citizen journalist Mario Nawfal, Imran Khan’s sons – Sulaiman and Kasim – said their father was jailed on what they called “trumped-up charges” and denied basic rights in custody. They described his imprisonment as part of a broader clampdown on democracy in Pakistan.

“Anyone who looks into it a little can kind of see that,” said Sulaiman. “We call on any government that supports free speech and democracy, especially the most powerful leader in the world, to support our father’s release.”

Kasim added they were simply asking the global community to recognise the situation in Pakistan and “hopefully take action.”

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Khan, leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been behind bars for nearly two years. Authorities accuse him of inciting violent protests, particularly during the May 9, 2023 riots and a deadly November 2024 demonstration that left four troops dead.

PTI denies any role in violence and says the military, along with rival political forces, are suppressing its supporters. Both the military and ruling parties reject the allegations.

Sulaiman also pointed to Pakistan’s history of dynastic politics and said his father had tried to challenge that system.

“We just want to create more awareness,” he said, urging “people of influence” to speak up. “It’s gone a bit quiet recently, and we hope more voices will join in.”

The sons also said they would welcome the chance to speak directly with Trump to seek help for their father’s release, highlighting concerns over human rights and democratic decline in Pakistan.