The son of jailed former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has accused the country’s government and military leadership of being directly responsible for his father’s deteriorating health, claiming prolonged solitary confinement and medical neglect have left him nearly blind in one eye.
Kasim Khan, son of the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), said in a post on X that his father has “lost most of the vision in his right eye, with reports indicating only 15% eyesight remains.”
“This is the direct consequence of 922 days of solitary confinement, medical neglect (denied blood tests) and the deliberate denial of proper treatment in jail,” he wrote.
“The responsibility lies squarely with the regime in power, the Army Chief and the puppets enabling this cruelty,” Kasim added. “This physical deterioration is happening under their orders, their watch and their responsibility. They have manipulated and warped the justice system in order to keep my father in solitary confinement.”
Imran Khan, 73, has been incarcerated at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi since August 5, 2023, following his conviction in a corruption case. A former cricketer-turned-politician, he has denied wrongdoing and described the cases against him as politically motivated.
Kasim also said he and his brother have been denied visas to visit their father. “My brother and I are still being denied visas to see our father as his health deteriorates. History will record this injustice,” he wrote.
He urged international bodies to intervene. “We urge human rights bodies, legal institutions and democratic nations to confront this persecution and ensure those responsible face consequences.”
Separately, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi condemned what he called “gross negligence” by the federal government regarding Khan’s medical condition.
Addressing a cabinet meeting, Afridi said an official medical report itself acknowledges that Khan has lost most of his eyesight in his right eye, with only 10 to 15 percent remaining. However, he questioned the credibility of the report, saying Khan’s personal physicians have not been allowed to conduct a full examination.
“If such treatment can be inflicted upon a former Prime Minister, it is a deeply disturbing matter,” Afridi said, calling it evidence of “malicious intent.”
A two-member bench of the Islamabad High Court has ordered a detailed medical examination of Khan before February 16. The court resumed hearings Thursday on a petition concerning his prison conditions.
Khan’s health has become a flashpoint in Pakistan’s already volatile political climate, with PTI supporters alleging persecution, while the government has maintained that due process is being followed.
– Ends
With inputs from PTI
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