He's being 'psychologically tortured' in 'death cell': Imran Khan's sons
What's the story
The sons of Imran Khan, the former prime minister of Pakistan, who has been in jail since August 2023, have alleged that their father is being subjected to "psychological torture" in a "death cell." The brothers Kasim and Sulaiman Khan said they haven't seen or spoken to their father for months and fear they might never see him again.
Inhumane treatment
Khan's sons describe father's prison conditions
Speaking to Sky News, Kasim described the conditions his father has been kept in. "He's been in a solitary confinement cell for over two years where he's had filthy water, he is around inmates who are dying of hepatitis, the conditions are disgusting and also he is completely isolated from any human contact," Kasim said. Sulaiman described the cell as a "death cell," where his father allegedly spends 23 hours a day.
Brothers
Khan now officially in full isolation
Sulaiman also claimed that an army spokesperson announced on Friday that Khan, who had previously been shot three times, was now officially in full isolation. He further stated that his father was being held in "completely substandard conditions that do not meet international law for any sort of prisoner." The brothers' statements mirror what one of Khan's sisters revealed after she was allowed to meet the former cricketer in prison earlier this month.
International attention
UN Special Rapporteur raises concerns over Khan's detention
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on torture, Alice Jill Edwards, also raised concerns over Khan's detention conditions on Tuesday. She called on Pakistani authorities to ensure his treatment complies with international norms and standards. "Since his transfer to Adiala Jail...Imran Khan has reportedly been held for excessive periods in solitary confinement, confined for 23 hours a day in his cell, and with highly restricted access to the outside world. His cell is reportedly under constant camera surveillance," she added.
Family's plea
Pakistan PM's spokesperson responds
Speaking on The World with Yalda Hakim on Tuesday, Mosharraf Zaidi, a spokesperson for Pakistan's prime minister, denied the claims that Khan was being held in solitary confinement. He said Khan had been in prison for approximately 860 days and had 870 visits, despite the fact that he is entitled to one visit every week. Before entering politics, Khan was best known as an international cricket star who led Pakistan to victory in the Cricket World Cup in 1992.