‘We may never see him again’: Imran Khan’s sons allege brutal jail conditions in Pakistan

Speaking to Sky News, the brothers described prolonged solitary confinement, unsafe water and severe psychological distress faced by the jailed PTI founder.

Imran Khan has been in prison for over two years following multiple convictions, including a case linked to the illegal sale of state gifts.

His sons, who live in the United Kingdom, said they have not spoken to him in seven months and have been deeply shaken by recent rumours surrounding his health and well-being.

‘Psychological torture in a death cell’

Kasim Khan said his father has been confined alone for nearly two years in what he described as a “death cell”, with minimal human contact and degrading living conditions.

He alleged that Imran Khan has access only to filthy water and is surrounded by inmates suffering from life-threatening diseases such as hepatitis.

“The conditions are not just bad, they are awful,” Kasim said, adding that the prolonged isolation amounts to psychological torture. “We’re trying to stay hopeful, but it’s getting harder. We’re now scared we might never see him again.”

Claims of extreme isolation and power cuts

Sulaiman Khan echoed those concerns, alleging that his father is kept in solitary confinement for up to 23 hours a day and is sometimes denied electricity.

He claimed Imran Khan is cut off from almost all human interaction, including conversations with prison guards.

“He is being held in conditions that fall far below international legal standards,” Sulaiman said, calling the treatment a deliberate attempt to break his father mentally.

Protests, arrests and UN warning

The interview comes amid fresh protests by Imran Khan’s family members and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters outside Adiala jail.

Demonstrators were dispersed using water cannons after being denied permission to meet the former prime minister.

PTI alleged the use of “chemical-laced” water, a claim authorities have not confirmed.

Pakistan police later booked Imran Khan’s three sisters and hundreds of party workers on terrorism-related charges.

Meanwhile, a United Nations official last week reminded the Pakistani government that prolonged or indefinite solitary confinement violates international human rights law and called for immediate corrective steps.

Islamabad denies allegations

The Shehbaz Sharif government has rejected the claims made by Imran Khan’s sons.

Prime Minister’s spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi told Sky News that Imran Khan has received hundreds of visits during his incarceration and is permitted one meeting per week, disputing allegations of isolation and abuse.

PTI targets army chief Asim Munir

Earlier this month, Imran Khan’s sister Uzma Khanum was allowed to meet him and later alleged that he was being subjected to mental torture, blaming Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir.

Subsequently, PTI released a statement attributed to Imran Khan, accusing Munir of responsibility should anything happen to him in jail.

As political tensions escalate, the claims by Imran Khan’s sons have added international scrutiny to Pakistan’s handling of its most prominent political prisoner, intensifying pressure on both the civilian government and the military establishment.