Imran Khan’s sons express concerns over their father’s declining health while incarcerated in a Pakistani prison and are requesting permission to visit him, urging authorities to allow them access after more than two years apart.
Khan’s attorney informed Pakistan’s Supreme Court recently that the former prime minister had experienced significant vision loss in his right eye during his time in custody. However, a medical board stated on Monday that the swelling had subsided after treatment and his vision had shown improvement.
In an interview with Reuters in London, where they reside, Khan’s sons, Kasim and Sulaiman, aged 26 and 29, expressed skepticism regarding the medical assessment. They had a conversation with their father for the first time since September during a call on Thursday.
The sons mentioned that their father typically avoids discussing his health, but during the call, he voiced frustration over being denied treatment for his eye for several months. Kasim, referring to his father as ‘Abba’, shared that it is emotionally challenging to be away from him for such an extended period. He emphasized the need for Khan to be relocated to a proper medical facility and have access to his personal doctors.
Authorities have stated that medical procedures are underway and have refuted claims of neglect from the opposition. The Supreme Court has requested information on Khan’s medical treatment.
Imprisoned since August 2023, Khan, 73, has been serving his sentence following convictions that he and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party consider politically motivated. Following his removal in a no-confidence vote in 2022, Khan has been entangled in various legal battles, including cases related to state gifts and an alleged illegal marriage. While some convictions have been put on hold or overturned, appeals are pending as Khan maintains his innocence.
Kasim and Sulaiman, who were brought up in the UK after their parents’ divorce, have not seen their father since November 2022 when he survived an assassination attempt. Despite applying for visas a month ago, they are yet to receive a response. Sulaiman speculated that delays in granting visas might be due to concerns that their visit could draw unwanted attention to Khan’s situation.
Efforts to seek comments from the Pakistani embassy in London and Pakistan’s foreign ministry have not yielded immediate responses. Kasim stressed that their primary focus is on their father’s health, but they are also concerned about broader issues such as his freedom, adherence to proper human rights procedures, ensuring a fair trial, and upholding the rule of law.
Media outlets have been barred from mentioning Khan’s name, broadcasting his speeches, or showing his image. Only a single court photo has been publicly available since his incarceration. Despite facing challenges, the PTI party, which came to power in 2018, maintains significant support in key provinces.
In recent days, PTI supporters have staged protests, blocking major highways connecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Punjab, causing disruptions to transportation and essential supplies. When asked if they had a message for Khan’s supporters, Kasim encouraged them to remain steadfast and resolute, emphasizing the importance of perseverance during challenging times.