The sons of former Pakistani leader Imran Khan said they fear for their father's health as he marks three years in detainment [1].
Their public appeal highlights the ongoing legal and humanitarian struggle surrounding the former prime minister, whose prolonged imprisonment continues to polarize Pakistan's political landscape.
Speaking with CNN's Becky Anderson, the sons said that authorities are preventing them from seeing their father [1]. This restriction comes as the family marks the third anniversary of the former leader's arrest, which occurred in August 2023 [1].
The family expressed deep concern regarding the physical and mental well-being of the former prime minister. They said the lack of access to him has increased their anxiety over his current condition [2].
Imran Khan was detained on corruption charges [2]. Since then, his legal team and supporters have frequently questioned the transparency of the judicial process and the conditions of his confinement.
While the government maintains that the legal proceedings are legitimate, the sons' testimony suggests a pattern of isolation. They said they are being barred from the basic right of visiting their father during this critical period [1].
This anniversary marks a significant milestone in a period of instability for the country. The detainment has sparked widespread protests and international scrutiny regarding the rule of law in Pakistan [2].
“They fear for their father’s health and are being prevented from seeing him.”
The continued isolation of Imran Khan and the restriction of family visits exacerbate the tension between the Pakistani state and the former leader's massive support base. By blocking family access, the government risks further delegitimizing the corruption charges in the eyes of the public, potentially transforming a legal case into a broader humanitarian and political crisis.
