Imran Khan’s Sons Fear He ‘Won’t Survive’ Prison As Lawyer Alleges ‘Slow-Motion Murder’

The sons of imprisoned former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan have raised fresh concerns over his health and prison conditions, claiming there is a growing risk that the 73-year-old politician may not survive his time behind bars. Khan’s lawyer Jared Genser has also accused authorities of subjecting him to conditions amounting to “slow-motion murder”.

Sons raise alarm over Khan’s health

Speaking at an online press conference, Khan’s sons Sulaiman and Kasim Khan alleged that the Pakistani government had failed to comply with a Supreme Court order allowing their father to be examined at a private hospital.

The court had also permitted regular contact between Khan and his family in view of his deteriorating health.

Kasim said the situation had reached a point where it appeared “more likely than not” that his father would not survive his stay in prison.

The family has alleged that Khan remains in indefinite solitary confinement and was taken to a state hospital under heavy security at night for a medical check-up. Following the examination, the government declared him fit, a claim his sons have disputed.

Lawyer alleges ‘slow-motion murder’

Khan’s lawyer Jared Genser has described the former prime minister’s prison conditions as “slow-motion murder”.

According to the lawyer, Khan is being held in a cell measuring around 1.8 metres by 2.4 metres and spends about 23 hours a day without natural light.

Khan was imprisoned in 2023 after being convicted in cases involving the disclosure of state secrets and corruption. He has denied the charges against him.

Supreme Court order over private hospital treatment

The Supreme Court of Pakistan had ordered that Khan be moved to the privately owned Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for treatment of several health problems, including an eye condition.

According to Khan’s lawyers, authorities appeared to comply with the order by sending a convoy towards the hospital, but they alleged it was a dummy convoy.

Khan was instead taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), a state-run hospital, for a medical examination before being returned to prison in Rawalpindi.

His legal team has alleged that Khan was not examined by an independent medical panel.

Government rejects solitary confinement claims

The Pakistani government has denied that Khan is being kept in solitary confinement or that he has been denied meaningful contact with his family.

Authorities have also said that the former prime minister was allowed to meet his wife, Bushra Bibi, and his sister following the Supreme Court order.

However, Sulaiman and Kasim have claimed they have not been permitted to travel to Pakistan to see their father. They said the last time they met Khan in person was in November 2022.

The allegations come amid continuing concerns over Khan’s health, prison conditions and access to medical treatment, with his family and legal team calling for greater access to independent medical care.