London: Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s sons, Qasim Khan and Suleiman Khan, have said they are planning to travel to Pakistan in January after applying for visas, while alleging that their father is being held in severe prison conditions, which they described as a “death cell.”
The remarks were made during an interview with Sky News journalist Yalda Hakim, aired on Wednesday, amid growing concerns raised by Imran Khan’s family and party over restrictions on jail meetings at Adiala Jail.
Visa Applications Submitted
Speaking in the interview, Qasim Khan, who lives in London with his brother, said the decision to visit Pakistan was taken after senior government figures publicly stated that they were welcome to come.
“We have now made a plan because these statements were made openly,” Qasim said. “If they stand by their words, we hope to travel in January. We have applied for visas and are preparing for the trip.”
The interviewer recalled that the brothers had earlier claimed they were warned against traveling to Pakistan. However, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had said publicly that they were welcome and could meet their father.
No Support for Any Political Deal
When asked whether they would encourage Imran Khan to consider a political deal with the authorities for his release, Qasim rejected the idea.
“This is his life, his purpose,” he said. “He believes his mission is to fight corruption in Pakistan. If he were to leave everything behind and live abroad, he would feel he had abandoned his country.”
He added that while they wished their father could be present in their personal lives, they respected his political commitment.
Allegations of Harsh Jail Conditions
Discussing Imran Khan’s detention, Suleiman Khan alleged that the cell where his father is being held amounts to a “death cell.”
“There is barely any light, electricity is sometimes cut off, and the water is dirty,” he claimed. “These are completely substandard conditions and do not meet international standards for prisoners.”
Qasim described the situation as “terrifying,” saying the family often feels helpless being far away.
Distress Over Death Rumors
The brothers also spoke about the psychological toll of social media rumors regarding Imran Khan’s health and alleged death.
“It was extremely distressing,” Suleiman said. “I immediately went to our family group chat, which is our only reliable source of information from Pakistan.”
Qasim added that such rumors were “shocking” and deeply unsettling.
Reaction After Sister’s Jail Visit
The interview also referenced a recent jail visit by Imran Khan’s sister, Uzma Khanum, after which a post critical of the military leadership appeared on Imran Khan’s official X (formerly Twitter) account.
Following that post, ISPR Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry held a press briefing strongly criticizing the former prime minister.
According to Suleiman Khan, his aunt confirmed that Imran Khan was physically fine but deeply angered by jail conditions.
“He likely dictated the message through her,” Suleiman said. “After that, there was a strong reaction, and it appears efforts are being made to isolate him completely.”
Family Seeks Meeting With Imran Khan
Qasim Khan said the family’s main concern is to understand how they can help.
“We want to know how we can get him out and support him,” he said. “Whenever we speak to him, he refuses to talk about his own condition and asks about everyone else.”
The family has continued to express concern over restricted access to jail meetings, despite court orders allowing them.
