The sons of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan have accused Pakistani authorities of plotting to kill their father, citing fears of assassination due to alleged denial of court-ordered medical care and inhumane conditions in prison. Sulaiman and Kasim Khan expressed concerns that their father could suffer a similar fate to former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, who died in 2019 amid claims of neglect in solitary confinement.
Imran Khan, 73, is serving sentences totaling 27 years for corruption charges, which he denies. His sons stated that he is being held in a 6ft by 8ft solitary confinement cell in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail, where they claim multiple prisoners have died from hepatitis due to poor conditions. They fear their father could contract the disease, with authorities potentially attributing his death to natural causes.
Lawyers have indicated that Khan's health has deteriorated significantly, prompting the Supreme Court to order his transfer to a private hospital for an independent health assessment. However, he was reportedly taken to a government hospital where he was deemed fit to return to his cell, despite reportedly losing 85% of his vision in his right eye due to a blood clot.
Sulaiman, 29, and Kasim, 27, who have not seen their father in over four years due to visa issues, told Times Radio that they believe Pakistani authorities aim to replicate the circumstances of Morsi's death. They have also accused the British government of providing insufficient support and hope to discuss their concerns with Prime Minister Andy Burnham, seeking UK support to deter Pakistani officials.
"There’s nothing they fear more than foreign countries, foreign intervention," the sons stated regarding Pakistani officials. "But as long as we go without any kind of support, then they have complete power in Pakistan, they’re very, very unpredictable and chaotic."
Sulaiman also mentioned that his father had been offered deals such as house arrest or exile but refused them, as he would be restricted in his speech and unwilling to abandon his imprisoned party members.
The sons have previously described Khan's living quarters as a "death cell" with "filthy water" and complete isolation from human contact, spending 23 hours a day alone. Their last communication with their father was a six-month-old phone call.
Khan reportedly complained of high blood pressure, heart palpitations, and anxiety to his sister during a brief visit at the government hospital. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which has been accused of being heavily politicized and sensitive to criticism, has denied mistreating Khan or preventing visits from his family and lawyers.
In February, 14 international cricketers issued an open letter calling for improved conditions for Khan. Khan, a former international cricketer, led Pakistan to victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup before entering politics. He became prime minister in 2018 but was removed from power in a 2022 no-confidence vote after falling out with the military establishment. His supporters have held numerous protests demanding his release since his arrest in May 2023.