Imran Khan’s sons have expressed concern over their father’s deteriorating health in a Pakistani jail and are requesting permission to visit him, more than two years after their last meeting.

Khan’s lawyer told Pakistan’s Supreme Court (SC) last week that the former prime minister had lost significant vision in his right eye while in custody. A medical board reported on Monday that swelling had reduced after treatment and his vision had improved.

Speaking to an international media outlet in London, where they reside, Khan’s sons Kasim and Sulaiman, 26 and 29, said they were uncertain about the medical report. They spoke to their father on Thursday for the first time since September.

"It's hard not to feel low at times because we've been away from him so long," Kasim said of his father, whom he and his brother call 'Abba', adding that he should be moved to a proper medical facility and have access to his private doctors.

 

Authorities maintain that medical procedures are going on, rejecting claims of neglect. The Supreme Court has requested details of Khan’s treatment.

Khan, 73, has been in jail since August 2023 following convictions he and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), describe as politically motivated.

Since his ouster in a 2022 no-confidence vote, he has faced multiple cases, including allegations regarding state gifts and an unlawful marriage. Some convictions have been suspended or overturned, with appeals pending. Khan denies wrongdoing.

Kasim and Sulaiman were raised in Britain after Khan’s divorce from their mother, Jemima Goldsmith. They have not seen him since November 2022, following an assassination attempt. The brothers said they applied for visas last month but have not received a response as yet. 

Sulaiman suggested the delay could be linked to authorities’ concerns about attention to Khan’s situation if they were allowed to visit.

Kasim said their concerns extend beyond health to issues including Khan’s freedom, adherence to human rights, and the rule of law.

Since Khan’s imprisonment, PTI supporters have blocked major highways linking Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Punjab for four days, affecting transport and supplies in some areas.

 

Kasim said their message to supporters is to “keep faith and keep fighting,” noting the family’s effort to maintain that message.