Following weeks of speculation and heightened concern over the well-being of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, his sister, Dr. Uzma Khanum, was finally permitted to meet him at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail. After the brief meeting, she confirmed that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder was "perfectly fine" in terms of physical health but was being subjected to "severe mental torture."
Khan, who has been incarcerated since August 2023 in connection with multiple cases, has faced increasing restrictions on his visitation rights, leading to mounting protests by his family and party workers who demanded proof of his life and health status.
The Claims of Mental Torture
Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail, Dr. Uzma Khanum detailed the conditions that, she alleges, amount to mental abuse:
- Solitary Confinement: Khan is reportedly confined to his room for most of the day, with only limited time allowed outside.
- Total Isolation: She claimed that her brother has no communication with anyone else in the prison, effectively keeping him in isolation.
- Worse Than Physical Abuse: The former premier himself reportedly conveyed that the isolation and mental pressure were worse than physical abuse.
- Political Blame: Dr. Khanum also quoted Imran Khan as placing the blame for his conditions on the current political-military establishment, specifically naming the Army Chief.
Despite being barred from meeting him for several weeks, Dr. Uzma stated that the former Prime Minister was "angry" but in good spirits.
Escalating Concerns Over Jail Access
The meeting comes amid widespread rumours and heightened political tensions surrounding the opposition leader's detention. For over a month, authorities had enforced tight restrictions on visits from family members, legal counsel, and PTI leaders, leading to several public protests.
- Legal Challenges: Khan's sister, Aleema Khan, had previously filed a contempt of court petition against the jail authorities, accusing them of defying court orders that permit family and legal meetings.
- Son's Fears: The former PM's son, Kasim Khan, had also publicly expressed fears that the authorities were concealing "something irreversible" about his father's condition, describing the uncertainty as a form of "psychological torture."
- PTI Protests: The PTI party has staged repeated demonstrations outside Adiala Jail and the Islamabad High Court (IHC), accusing the government of violating Khan’s fundamental human rights.
While the jail authorities have consistently maintained that Imran Khan is in "good health" and is receiving complete medical attention, the family's latest statements, while confirming he is alive, underscore the continued allegations of inhumane treatment due to prolonged isolation and restricted rights. The PTI continues to demand regular, unhindered access for family and lawyers in line with existing court directives.
