“Blatantly Trying to Kill Him”: Imran Khan’s Sons Raise Alarms Over Former PM’s Prison Conditions
LONDON – Sulaiman and Kasim Khan, the sons of former Pakistan Prime Minister and legendary cricketer Imran Khan, have issued a harrowing appeal regarding their father’s incarceration, alleging that his health is rapidly deteriorating due to deliberate neglect and inhumane prison conditions.
In a poignant interview with former England captain Michael Atherton, broadcast during the second Test match between England and Pakistan, the brothers broke their silence to shed light on what they describe as a systematic attempt to “silence” the political icon.
A Struggle for Survival
Kasim Khan painted a grim picture of his father’s daily existence, claiming that the 71-year-old is confined to a small cell for more than 23 hours a day. According to his son, the lack of air conditioning in the sweltering heat, combined with severe isolation and restricted access to basic necessities, has left the family fearing for his life.
“They are not even acting with any kind of strategy anymore,” Kasim told Atherton. “It is not very clear what they are doing, just blatantly trying to kill him in there. Keep him in as long as possible, and silence him.”
Among the most concerning revelations was the state of Imran Khan’s eyesight. Kasim noted that his father, previously known for his composed and assured presence even in high-stakes situations, now appears “visibly stressed” and has lost approximately 80 percent of vision in one eye, requiring him to wear an eye patch.
Failed Medical Promises
The brothers expressed deep frustration over the authorities’ handling of Khan’s health. Following a court order for a medical examination, the family was initially “cautiously optimistic” that the former premier would be taken to an independent facility.
Instead, Sulaiman Khan alleged that his father was briefly taken to a government-run medical facility for a cursory one-hour check-up before being sent directly back to his cell. He claimed that doctors at the private Shifa Hospital, who were prepared to conduct a thorough evaluation, were intentionally bypassed.
“In reality, it was an hour check-up by government officials who said, ‘Great, he’s OK’… they left all the doctors waiting and sent him straight back to jail,” Sulaiman stated.
Diplomatic and Sporting Tensions
The broadcast of the interview triggered an immediate firestorm. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly lodged a formal complaint with Sky Sports, with rumors circulating that the board considered instructing the national team to boycott the post-lunch session of the Test match if the segment aired. The players ultimately continued the game, but the incident highlighted the deep-seated tensions surrounding Khan’s status in the country.
The international outcry regarding Khan’s treatment has extended beyond his family. A distinguished group of former international cricket captains—including Indian legends Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev—have penned a letter to Pakistan’s current Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif. Their appeal frames the request as a humanitarian necessity, urging the government to provide Khan with appropriate medical care and humane treatment.
As Imran Khan approaches his third year of incarceration, his sons remain desperate to visit him. They claim their attempts to travel to Pakistan have been thwarted by visa denials on “technical grounds,” but they remain steadfast in their resolve, stating they are willing to risk their own arrest if it means securing a chance to see their father.
