'They want to kill my father': Imran Khan's sons allegations against Pak government

The health and well-being of jailed former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan have once again triggered a political storm in the country. Amid growing criticism of the Pakistan government over his treatment in prison, Khan's sons, Sulaiman and Qasim, have made serious allegations, claiming that authorities want to silence their father and may be putting his life at risk. In an interview, the two brothers alleged that attempts were being made openly to keep Imran Khan isolated and suppress his voice. They also raised questions over the medical treatment being provided to the former prime minister and demanded that he be examined by an independent doctor.

Sulaiman and Qasim appeared in an interview broadcast by Sky Sports conducted by former England captain Mike Atherton. Atherton was among 21 prominent former cricketers who had recently written to the Pakistan government, urging authorities to ensure that Imran Khan receives necessary medical care.

During the interview, Qasim accused the Pakistan government of deliberately keeping his father behind bars and claimed that the circumstances surrounding his detention had become increasingly alarming. "They are making it very clear from what they are doing that there is an open attempt to kill him. They want to keep Imran Khan in prison for as long as possible. They believe they can silence his voice. When our relatives recently met him, he said that the situation had become extremely bad. He was comparing it with other



political prisoners who were either killed or died in prison. The situation is even worse now. He is kept completely isolated in a cell for more than 23 hours a day," Qasim said. His remarks have added to the concerns surrounding Imran Khan's health and conditions in prison. His sister, Uzma, had also previously levelled serious allegations against the government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Sulaiman questioned why his father had not been examined by an independent and neutral doctor. He said the family had initially hoped for a proper medical examination after a court ordered medical tests, but claimed their concerns increased when Imran Khan was taken to a government hospital instead of a private facility.

"We have to wonder what they are hiding. Why are they not allowing him to be examined by an impartial, neutral doctor? When the court ordered a medical test, we had some hope, but our fears came true when, instead of taking him to a private hospital, they took him to a government hospital. Then he was sent back to prison. He had a bandage over his eye because of an injury. He looked extremely stressed. Every time I have seen him, he has always appeared calm and confident," he added. Sulaiman and Qasim further said that they have not seen their father in person since 2022. According to them, their last conversation with Imran Khan over the phone took place in March this year. The brothers said they wanted to travel to Pakistan and meet him but were not granted visas.