Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan remains physically healthy but is enduring severe isolation in prison, according to his sister, Uzma Khanum, who recently became the first family member in weeks to visit him.

Imran Khan, the 73-year-old ex-cricketer and founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, has been imprisoned since August 2023 on multiple charges including corruption and revealing state secrets. While he has been acquitted of some charges, he continues to serve his sentence, which has sparked widespread concern among his supporters and human rights organizations.

Sister Visits Imran Khan in Adiala Jail

Uzma Khanum, a practicing doctor, provided an update on her brother’s condition after visiting him in Rawalpindi, where he is incarcerated. Speaking to the media, she emphasized that while Khan is physically well, the isolation and restricted interaction with others have taken a significant toll on his mental state.

“He is physically well,” Khanum said. “But he is kept inside all the time and only goes out for a short while. There is no contact with anybody.”

Khanum described her brother as “very angry” about his confinement, noting that the mental torture of isolation can be “worse than physical abuse.” Their meeting was strictly monitored, and no mobile devices were permitted during the visit.

PTI Supporters Demand Imran Khan’s Release

Outside Adiala Jail, PTI supporters staged protests to demand the release of their jailed leader. Supporters gathered early on Tuesday, hoping to hear updates on Khan’s well-being. The detention has raised concerns across Pakistan, with many worrying that the former prime minister’s long-term imprisonment under solitary conditions could have adverse effects.

Before the visit, both Khan’s family and party officials expressed alarm that he had been cut off from family and associates for almost a month. One of Khan’s sons reportedly told Reuters that he feared “something irreversible is being hidden from us.”

Calls for Regular Family and Legal Visits

Zulfikar Bukhari, Imran Khan’s spokesperson, urged authorities to permit more frequent visits from family members and his legal team. The family has also requested that Khan’s personal doctor conduct regular check-ups, a routine that has been absent for over a year.

Pakistan’s Human Rights Commission has expressed serious concern over reports of the former PM’s detention conditions, emphasizing the need for humane treatment and consistent medical supervision. Meanwhile, Pakistani authorities maintain that Khan is not being mistreated, with Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry clarifying that prison visits fall under the jurisdiction of jail officials, not the federal government.

Political Context and Popularity

Imran Khan served as Pakistan’s prime minister from 2018 until April 2022, when he was ousted in a no-confidence vote. Since then, he has remained a central figure in Pakistan’s political landscape. Despite his incarceration, Khan remains widely popular among the populace. In the 2024 elections, his party, PTI, secured the highest number of votes, surpassing the nearest rival by 4.5 million votes. However, rival parties formed a coalition government, preventing PTI from taking power.

Supporters view Khan’s imprisonment as politically motivated, pointing to his long-standing criticism of Pakistan’s establishment. While he has faced multiple legal cases, Khan maintains his innocence and argues that the charges against him are aimed at silencing his political influence.

International Attention and Human Rights Concerns

The detention of a former national leader has drawn international attention. Observers and human rights organizations are closely monitoring Khan’s condition and calling for transparent and humane treatment. Experts emphasize that prolonged solitary confinement can severely affect mental and emotional health, making regular family contact and medical access crucial.

As protests continue outside Adiala Jail, the fate of Imran Khan remains a significant point of political and public concern in Pakistan, with citizens, legal experts, and international monitors urging authorities to ensure his well-being and basic rights while in custody.