Imran Khan’s Sons Speak Out on His Prison Conditions in Exclusive Interview

Kasim and Sulaiman Khan sat down with former England cricket captain Michael Atherton at Lord’s Cricket Ground during the Test match between England and Pakistan to voice urgent concerns over their father’s deteriorating health, solitary confinement, and stalled medical treatment.

Rare Phone Calls and Family Communication

Discussing their limited communication, the brothers noted that they last spoke to him in March, leaving them facing total radio silence since then. They shared that broader family members in Pakistan had been blocked from seeing him for ten months until a brief visit last week.

When phone calls do happen, they are abruptly cut short, lasting anywhere from 6 to 20 minutes, they said. Kasim recalled how his father reacts during these brief windows:

“He’s very kind of keen to hear how we are, how our family is, how everyone is, you know, in the outside world.”

“If we try and ask him how he is, very quickly he shuts it down with, ‘I’m fine, I’m fine,’ or ‘It doesn’t matter, it doesn’t matter.”

Blocked Visas and 23-Hour Solitary Confinement

Reflecting on nearly four years since they last saw their father after the November 2022 assassination attempt, the brothers revealed that visa applications to visit Pakistan have been systematically blocked.

Addressing Prison Conditions and Health

Speaking about why they chose to become more vocal Sulaiman explained how initial hopes of a short detention faded as the years dragged on. The brothers expressed deep concern over their father’s condition observed during rare phone conversations.

They noted he is held in solitary confinement for over 23 hours a day, faces severe isolation, and has suffered an 80% vision loss in one eye due to delayed medical treatment.

They added that the harsh conditions, including a small, hot cell during peak summer heat and rising blood pressure caused by intense stress, have severely impacted a man known historically for his unshakeable calm.

Kasim also remembered how his father remained calm even when faced with past life threatening situations, such as being held at gunpoint during a car robbery.

Meanwhile, the Pakistani government has consistently maintained that prison conditions meet standard legal requirements, noting that he has access to exercise facilities, books, and regular medical checkups.

Supreme Court’s Orders

The discussion also touched on a recent Supreme Court directive ordering that Imran Khan be taken to a private hospital for medical assessment. However Sulaiman noted that the family’s relief was short lived.

UK Government Response

When asked about official help, the brothers expressed disappointment with the response from the UK government.

Political Calling

Reflecting on their father’s journey from cricket legend to politician, Kasim and Sulaiman emphasized that his lifelong passion for ridding Pakistan of corruption and pulling people out of poverty is something they admire deeply.

International Backing

The interview aired by Sky Sports follows a joint letter signed by 21 international cricket legends, including Michael Atherton, Sunil Gavaskar, and Kapil Dev, urging the Pakistani government to ensure Khan’s proper medical care.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Complain

The broadcast of the interview created an off-field controversy. Reports indicated that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged a formal complaint with Sky Sports and briefly considered a player protest before play resumed.

Addressing the backdrop of the Lord’s Test match and their divided loyalties, both brothers confirmed they are firmly backing Pakistan for the week.