Web Desk (MNN): The sons of incarcerated PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, Kasim and Sulaiman, have alleged that their father is being kept in extreme isolation in prison, describing the conditions as “clear torture tactics”.
The remarks were made during an interview with British journalist Mehdi Hasan, a short preview of which has been released by Zeteo, while the full interview remains behind a paywall. The brothers expressed serious concern over Imran Khan’s detention, particularly as court-ordered family visits and regular communication continue to be obstructed.
They said their father is confined to a very small cell and is denied meaningful human interaction. Kasim rejected official claims that Imran Khan is enjoying special treatment, saying he is being held in a cramped space with poor sanitation and substandard food. He added that Imran Khan was extremely upset during a recent meeting with his sister Uzma, mainly due to prolonged isolation.
The brothers said they have had very limited contact with their father over the past two years, despite court orders mandating weekly calls. Sulaiman said his last phone call was in late July, while Kasim said he last spoke to his father briefly in September. They also revealed that their last in-person meeting was in November 2022, following an assassination attempt on Imran Khan.
Responding to questions about Imran Khan’s strong criticism of senior military leadership, the brothers said such statements reflect his long-standing character and fearlessness, adding that he remains deeply religious and believes his life is in God’s protection.
The claims were strongly denied by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s foreign media spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi, who said Imran Khan is not kept in a cell but in designated living quarters with access to a gym, outdoor space, books, a personal cook and medical supervision. Zaidi said the former prime minister enjoys facilities not available to any other prisoner and accused his family and supporters of being misled by disinformation.
Zaidi also said that Imran Khan’s sons would be granted visas according to the law but warned that any visit should not be used for political mobilisation, adding that authorities would act to maintain law and order.
Separately, Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry also rejected the isolation claims, saying it was impossible for Imran Khan to be alone in a prison housing over 1,200 inmates. He warned the family and PTI leaders against playing the “sympathy card” and said Imran Khan has had extensive phone contact with his sons.
Chaudhry further stated that, according to official records, Imran Khan’s sons had neither renewed their NICOPs nor formally applied for visas, insisting that visas would be issued immediately upon proper application.
