Former Prime Minister Imran Khan in good health but isolated in Pakistani prison, sister confirms

Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, remains in good physical health but is struggling with the near-total isolation of his prison environment, according to his sister, Uzma Khanum. She became the first family member in several weeks to be permitted to visit him.

Speaking to reporters in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, Dr. Khanum reported, "He is physically well, but he is confined most of the time and only leaves his cell briefly. There is no interaction with anyone."

Khanum added that her brother is extremely frustrated by the solitary conditions, calling the experience "mental torture" that he considers more severe than any physical hardship.

Their meeting was closely monitored, with no mobile phones allowed during the visit. Outside Adiala Jail, supporters of Khans party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), gathered early Tuesday to learn about his condition.

Before the visit, PTI and Khans family expressed concern that he had not received any visits from relatives or associates for nearly a month. One of his sons recently told Reuters he feared "something irreversible is being hidden from us."

Khans spokesperson, Zulfikar Bukhari, called for more frequent visits from family members and his legal team. His family also seeks access for his personal doctor, who has not seen him for over a year.

Pakistans Human Rights Commission has voiced serious concern over reports of his detention conditions. Authorities insist Khan is not being mistreated, with Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry stating that prison visit arrangements fall under the jurisdiction of jail officials, not the government.

The 73-year-old, a former professional cricketer, served as Pakistans prime minister from 2018 until April 2022, when he was removed through a no-confidence vote. He has been imprisoned since August 2023 and convicted on multiple charges, including corruption and revealing state secrets, though some charges have been overturned. Khan maintains his innocence and claims the cases are politically motivated.

Despite his imprisonment, Khan remains popular. PTI secured the most votes in the 2024 election, leading by 4.5 million votes over its closest rival, but coalition governments from other parties prevented PTI from forming the government.

Author: Sophia Brooks