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Imran Khan’s Sons Allege “Isolation and Torture” in Jail, Govt Rejects Claims
Imran Khan’s sons Kasim & Sulaiman allege he’s kept in isolation under “torture tactics” in jail. Govt dismisses claims, says ex-PM enjoys special facilities and is not held in a cell.
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by Muhammad Hashir
2025-12-20
Imran Khan’s Sons Allege “Isolation and Torture” in Jail, Govt Rejects Claims

The sons of incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, Kasim Khan and Sulaiman Khan, have alleged that their father is being kept in complete isolation in jail, describing the conditions of his detention as “clear torture tactics”.

The remarks were made during an interview with British journalist Mehdi Hasan, a preview of which has been released on Zeteo’s website, while the full interview remains behind a paywall. The statements come amid growing concerns raised by Imran Khan’s family, party leaders, and international observers over his treatment in custody.

Court-ordered prison visits have reportedly remained blocked, prompting repeated complaints from PTI and family members. A United Nations special rapporteur has also previously warned that Imran Khan’s detention conditions could amount to inhuman or degrading treatment.

Responding to government claims that the former premier is being treated like a “prince” in jail, Kasim Khan dismissed the assertion outright. He alleged that Imran Khan was confined to a cell measuring “six feet by eight inches”, barely allowing him to stand.

“The conditions are awful. He is washing himself in brown, murky water. The food is dreadful. To be a prince is far from it,” Kasim said. He further claimed that Imran Khan was being subjected to total isolation, with even guards allegedly instructed not to speak to him.

“They want complete isolation from any other person just to try and break him,” he said, terming it a deliberate attempt at psychological pressure.

The brothers also spoke about their limited contact with their father. Sulaiman said he last spoke to Imran Khan at the end of July, despite court orders allowing weekly phone calls.

“That’s just never been followed throughout his time in prison, which is over two years now,” he said. Kasim added that his last call with his father lasted only six minutes in September.

They said the last in-person meeting took place in November 2022, following an assassination attempt on Imran Khan.

In another clip shared on Zeteo’s social media, the brothers were asked about their father’s outspoken criticism of Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. While acknowledging concern, they described it as part of Imran Khan’s long-standing character.

“He goes headfirst into danger,” Kasim said, adding that the family had grown accustomed to the risks their father took.

Government Response

The government has categorically rejected the allegations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s spokesperson for foreign media, Mosharraf Zaidi, dismissed claims that Imran Khan was held in isolation or a cell.

“He does not spend any time at all in a ‘cell’. He has designated living quarters with gym facilities, an outdoor lawn, walking space, and access to books,” Zaidi told Zeteo.

Zaidi added that Imran Khan spends at least six hours daily outside his sleeping area, has a dedicated cook, and his meals are monitored by a medical officer. He claimed that no other prisoner enjoyed similar privileges, accusing Imran Khan’s supporters and family of being misled by disinformation.

On the issue of visas, Zaidi said Imran Khan’s sons would be treated like all visitors under Pakistani law, but warned against turning any visit into a political event.

Separately, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry also dismissed the isolation claims, questioning how Imran Khan could be alone in a jail housing over 1,200 inmates. He said the former premier had access to gym facilities, a personal cook, and had spoken to his sons for “over 14 hours” cumulatively.

Addressing visa concerns, the minister said the government had not received tracking numbers for their applications and insisted that visas would be issued within hours if proper documentation was submitted. However, he warned against using the situation to gain public sympathy.

Earlier this week, Kasim and Sulaiman said in a Sky News interview that they were planning to visit Pakistan in January after applying for visas, reiterating concerns about their father being held in what they described as a “death cell”.

The issue continues to draw domestic and international attention, adding to the political tension surrounding Imran Khan’s prolonged incarceration.
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ImranKhan

PakistanPolitics

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