ISLAMABAD — Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s sister, Uzma Khanum, said on Tuesday that Khan is in stable physical health but continues to endure what she described as mental torture inside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail.
Speaking with reporters after meeting him for 20 minutes, Khanum said her brother was “very angry” and complained about being kept in his room nearly the entire day with minimal outdoor time and no communication with others.
“Imran Khan’s health is fine. However, he was very angry and said that they are subjecting him to mental torture. He is kept in his room throughout the day, with only a little time to go outside, and there is no communication with anyone,” she said.
Her visit came after Adiala jail authorities allowed the meeting following repeated denials of access to Khan’s family members and party leaders. The development occurred as PTI supporters held protests outside the Islamabad High Court and the Adiala jail, demanding unrestricted visitation rights. Authorities had imposed Section 144 in Islamabad and Rawalpindi ahead of the demonstrations, according to Dawn.
Last week, Adiala jail officials stated that the PTI founder had not been moved and remained “in good health.” In a November 26 statement, prison authorities rejected reports of his transfer, saying, “There is no truth to reports about his transfer from Adiala jail. He is fully healthy and receiving complete medical attention,” as reported by The News International. Officials called rumors about his health “baseless” and maintained that his well-being was being monitored.
Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 and faces multiple cases ranging from corruption to terrorism, following his ouster through a no-confidence vote in 2022.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) voiced serious concern over reports of restrictive conditions and limited family access. In a post on X, the rights body said allegations that Khan has been unable to meet close relatives, associates, or legal counsel require immediate clarification.
“Regular and unhindered access to immediate family and counsel is a fundamental safeguard against isolation and misuse of detention powers,” the HRCP stated, urging Pakistan’s federal government and Punjab’s Home Department to ensure compliance with constitutional protections and international standards for humane treatment. (Source: IANS)
