In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, Jemima Goldsmith, the ex-wife of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, expressed grave concerns over her sons’ lack of contact with their father, who has been incarcerated since August 2023. Jemima revealed that since early September, the authorities have cut off Imran’s weekly phone calls to their sons, Sulaiman and Kasim, leaving the family in distress.

Jemima highlighted the dire situation faced by Imran Khan while in custody, alleging that he is being denied basic rights, including family visits and proper legal representation. She emphasized that her concerns are rooted in the wellbeing of her children and their father rather than any political motivations. “This appeal for Imran’s release is not about politics; it’s about the welfare of my children and their father,” she stated, indicating her desire to maintain familial bonds amid challenging circumstances.

The situation appears to be severe, with Jemima stating that Imran has been placed in isolation. Reports suggest that the electricity in his cell has been turned off and that interruptions to his meals have occurred since the jail’s cook was put on leave. Such conditions raise questions about the treatment of inmates and adherence to human rights standards.

In her statement, Jemima also shed light on the wider family implications of Imran’s imprisonment. She revealed that Imran’s family members, including his nephew Hassan Niazi and sisters Uzma and Aleema Khan, have faced harassment from authorities. Recently, his sisters were reportedly detained while attempting to join a demonstration in support of Imran, highlighting the challenging environment surrounding the Khan family.

Imran Khan has faced multiple legal battles since his conviction in a corruption case, resulting in various sentences. While he has been acquitted or granted bail on most charges, his privileges have been significantly curtailed in recent weeks. Previously, he was allowed to communicate with the media and meet with party leaders during court appearances; however, these rights were suspended last week due to security concerns. The Adiala Jail announced a halt on all visits to inmates until October 18, impacting high-profile prisoners, including Khan.

Despite the troubling circumstances, Barrister Gohar Ali, representing Imran Khan, assured the public that Khan is in good health. He confirmed that medical professionals were finally permitted access to Khan at Adiala Jail after a planned protest by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party was conditionally canceled, contingent upon ensuring Khan’s health was monitored. Ali expressed gratitude to PTI supporters for their ongoing dedication and stated, “By the grace of God, Khan sahab is in good health and even completed an hour of exercise today.” He further promised that medical reports concerning Imran’s health would be released soon.

This evolving situation highlights the intersection of personal hardship and political unrest, as the Khan family’s struggles resonate with broader issues of justice, human rights, and political dissent in Pakistan.