Imran Khan’s sons fear former Pakistan PM’s health is deteriorating in prison

For six months, Kasim and Sulaiman Khan have answered every call from an unknown Pakistani number, hoping it might be their father calling from Rawalpindi’s Adiala prison. None of those calls has come. Now the sons of former prime minister Imran Khan fear his health is deteriorating.

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He seemed like he wasn't doing well, in terms of high blood pressure, heart palpitations and general anxiety.

An aunt who briefly saw Khan in a military hospital told the brothers he appeared to be struggling with high blood pressure, heart palpitations and general anxiety. “He seemed kind of disturbed by the long period of isolation that he's been facing. And as you know, it's very uncharacteristic of him to be anxious,” Kasim told 7.30.

Khan rose from Pakistan’s most celebrated sporting success to the country’s highest political office. As captain, he led Pakistan to victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup, then used that popularity to build a political career. He became prime minister in 2018 after winning the backing of the country’s powerful military.

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He seemed kind of disturbed by the long period of isolation that he's been facing. And as you know, it's very uncharacteristic of him to be anxious.

That relationship had broken down by 2022, according to University of Western Australia professor Samina Yasmeen. Khan lost a no-confidence vote, prompting large protests, and was later charged with more than 100 offences. His convictions have resulted in prison terms totaling more than 30 years. Yasmeen said she considered many of the charges politically motivated, although some cases continued, including an anti-terrorism case accusing Khan of mobilizing people.

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He's not allowed reading materials.

Khan’s sons say prison conditions have added to their concerns. “He's not allowed reading materials,” Sulaiman said. “He's barely allowed outside of his cell. It's a small, dark cell, extremely hot in the summer, with no kind of air conditioning or anything like that.” Pakistan’s Supreme Court has ordered that Khan receive treatment from independent doctors in a private hospital, but the family and independent observers say that order has been ignored.

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He's barely allowed outside of his cell. It's a small, dark cell, extremely hot in the summer, with no kind of air conditioning or anything like that.