Imran Khan’s Sons Break Silence: A Plea for Justice Amid Incarceration
In a rare and poignant public appeal, Suleman (28) and Qasim (26), sons of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan, have stepped into the spotlight to advocate for their father’s release from prison. Their emergence marks a significant moment, as they have traditionally maintained a distance from Pakistani politics, in line with their mother Jemima Goldsmith’s wishes .
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A Father’s Ordeal: Imprisonment and Isolation
Imran Khan, who led Pakistan from 2018 to 2022, has been incarcerated since August 2023. In January 2025, he was sentenced to 14 years in prison over a corruption case, amidst a slew of over 100 charges ranging from corruption to leaking state secrets. Khan and his supporters vehemently deny these allegations, asserting they are politically motivated .
Reports from his family and legal team paint a grim picture of his detention conditions in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi. According to Jemima Goldsmith, Khan has been held in solitary confinement, with electricity in his cell turned off, and has been denied contact with his family and legal counsel .
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Sons’ Emotional Appeal: From Silence to Advocacy
In an emotional online interview, Suleman and Qasim expressed their anguish over their father’s treatment and the exhaustion of legal avenues for his release. “We’ve gone through the legal routes… it’s only getting worse,” said Qasim. They emphasized the need for international pressure on Pakistan to address the alleged inhumane conditions of Khan’s imprisonment .
Their decision to speak out publicly underscores the severity of the situation and their desperation to see their father freed. “We couldn’t stay quiet any longer,” stated Suleman, highlighting the emotional toll the ordeal has taken on their family .
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Legal Battles and Limited Contact
Efforts to maintain contact between Khan and his sons have faced numerous obstacles. In October 2023, a special court granted Khan permission to speak with his sons via phone. However, reports indicate that such communication has been sporadic and fraught with challenges .
In January 2025, the Islamabad High Court directed authorities to facilitate phone conversations between Khan and his sons and to allow access to his personal physician . Despite these orders, concerns persist regarding the implementation of these directives and Khan’s overall well-being.
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International Response and Human Rights Concerns
The international community has taken note of Khan’s imprisonment. The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has declared his detention unlawful and called for his immediate release . However, concrete actions from global powers remain limited.
Human rights organizations continue to express concern over the conditions of Khan’s detention and the broader implications for political freedom and judicial independence in Pakistan.
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Conclusion: A Call for Justice
The public appeal by Suleman and Qasim Khan shines a spotlight on the personal and political ramifications of Imran Khan’s incarceration. Their voices add to the growing chorus calling for transparency, due process, and adherence to human rights standards in Pakistan.
As the situation unfolds, the international community’s response and the Pakistani government’s actions will be closely watched. The hope remains that justice will prevail, ensuring the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of political affiliation.
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