The controversy surrounding Pakistan’s jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan has deepened as his sister Aleema Khan filed a contempt of court petition against Adiala Jail authorities, while his son Kasim Khan demanded proof of life amid widespread rumours about his father’s health and safety.
Aleema Khan Moves Court Over Non-Compliance of Orders
According to reports from Pakistani media, Aleema Khan has approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the Adiala Jail Superintendent and other officials for failing to comply with the court’s March 24 directive, which allows Imran Khan to meet his family twice a week.
The petition, filed on Friday, names Adiala Jail Superintendent Abdul Ghafoor Anjum, Saddar Beroni Station House Officer Raja Aizaz Azeem, Federal Interior Secretary Capt (retd) Muhammad Khurram Agha, and Punjab Home Secretary Noorul Amin as respondents. Aleema’s petition accuses the authorities of “wilful non-implementation” of the IHC’s orders and claims that Imran Khan’s family and legal team have repeatedly been denied access to him. She urged the court to initiate contempt proceedings against the officials and punish them as per the law.
Sit-In Outside Adiala Jail
Her legal move came shortly after Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and other Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders staged an overnight sit-in outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. The protest followed Afridi’s eighth unsuccessful attempt to meet Imran Khan. Afridi told reporters that despite repeated court orders, Khan’s sisters, doctors, lawyers, and party leaders have been denied access since late October. “If this continues, we will be forced to take our last option,” he warned, without specifying what that option might entail.
Jail Authorities Deny Rumours
In response to growing speculation, Adiala Jail officials issued a statement denying reports that Imran Khan had been moved or that his health was deteriorating. “There is no truth to the rumours. He remains in Adiala Jail, is in good health, and is receiving full medical attention,” officials told The News International, dismissing claims circulating on social media.
Kasim Khan Demands Proof of Life
Meanwhile, Imran Khan’s son, Kasim Khan, took to social media to demand verified proof that his father is alive following unverified Afghan media reports claiming his death in custody. In an emotional post on X (formerly Twitter), Kasim wrote, “It has been 845 days since my father was imprisoned. For the past six weeks, he has been kept alone in a death cell, with no phone calls, no meetings, and no news of his well-being. My brother and I have not been able to contact him in any way.” Kasim accused the Pakistani government of deliberately isolating his father to conceal his condition, warning that the authorities would bear “full legal, moral, and international responsibility” for his safety. He called the situation “inhumane” and appealed to global leaders, international courts, and human rights organizations to intervene.
Family and Party Demand Transparency
Echoing her nephew’s concerns, Aleema Khan stressed that the entire crisis could be resolved by simply enforcing the court’s orders. “The solution is simple—follow court directives and allow his family, lawyers, and party leadership to meet him,” she said. PTI leaders have also voiced alarm over Khan’s solitary confinement, alleging that he is being kept in a “death cell” under harsh conditions. Earlier this year, PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram claimed that Khan’s confinement conditions remained severe even after his conviction.
Legal and Political Turmoil Continues
Imran Khan has been in custody since August 2023, facing multiple cases, including charges of corruption and terrorism, which he insists are politically motivated. In January, he and his wife were sentenced to 14 and 7 years in prison, respectively, in a corruption case. As rumours about his health and safety intensify, the international community is keeping a close watch on developments in Pakistan. Khan’s supporters continue to demand transparency, fair legal proceedings, and the restoration of his fundamental rights.
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