Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been held in prison under harsh conditions for the past three years, drawing widespread concern over his treatment and health. Khan, 73, a prominent political figure and former cricket star, is serving two separate sentences related to multiple corruption charges, which he denies.
His arrest occurred after a no-confidence vote in Parliament, a development that followed the withdrawal of support from Pakistan’s military, a powerful institution in the country. Khan’s detention has sparked protests and remains a highly contentious issue within Pakistan.
According to reports from Khan’s family, his confinement has been severe and restrictive. He is held in a cell approximately 6 feet by 8 feet in size, typically designated for death row inmates. His access to reading material is limited to the Quran, he is provided with poor quality drinking water described as soiled, and has been confined for 23 hours daily. Khan’s sons, Sulaiman and Kasim Khan, have been unable to visit him in person since 2022 and have gone months without telephone contact. They have characterized the conditions as inhumane and described them as “torture tactics.”
Khan’s health has reportedly deteriorated during his imprisonment. He has experienced significant vision loss in one eye due to a blood clot and elevated blood pressure attributed to the stress of solitary confinement.
International organizations have raised concerns about the legality and ethics of Khan’s detention. In July 2024, the United Nations working group on arbitrary detention stated that Khan’s imprisonment violated international law. Later, in December, UN Special Rapporteur on Torture Alice Jill Edwards called on Pakistan to improve Khan’s treatment in line with international standards, but according to his family and supporters, no substantial changes have been made.
The Pakistani government maintains that Khan is lawfully convicted and insists his prison conditions meet humane standards. The government has rejected accusations of mistreatment and responded defensively to international and domestic criticism. This tension was highlighted during the recent England-Pakistan cricket test match when Khan’s sons publicly accused the Pakistani authorities of attempting to "blatantly kill" their father. Following the interview, the Pakistan Cricket Board reacted with a threat to prevent its players from participating in the following day’s match, a move interpreted as a demonstration of the topic’s sensitivity.
In response to health concerns, Pakistan’s Supreme Court ordered a private medical assessment of Khan. However, he was examined in a government hospital where officials declared him fit to return to prison. Khan’s family has stated he will not negotiate his release by abandoning his political ambitions.
Calls for adequate medical care have gained support from international figures, including 22 former international cricket captains who urged Pakistan to provide Khan with immediate and ongoing treatment. Despite this, his family and legal representatives assert the ongoing solitary confinement and denial of necessary healthcare constitute serious violations of his rights.
Khan’s imprisonment is seen by many observers as politically motivated, with allegations that his life is at risk. The situation continues to attract attention from human rights groups, international officials, and political leaders concerned about the rule of law and human rights in Pakistan.