During the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) held in Geneva, Kasim Khan and Sulaiman Khan, the sons of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, gave a poignant statement regarding their father’s detention. They characterized the situation as “unjust and inhumane,” noting that Imran Khan has been imprisoned for nearly 1,000 days. Sulaiman Khan pointed out that the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has classified their father’s detention as “arbitrary,” raising alarms regarding the treatment he is receiving. Furthermore, they mentioned that the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture has warned that the conditions of his detention could be tantamount to psychological or physical torture.

The brothers expressed a pressing need for intervention, calling for access to legal representation, family visits, and independent medical attention for their father. They reported that Imran Khan is confined in a small, solitary cell under incessant surveillance and lives under poor conditions, including insect infestation. According to their claims, these harsh circumstances have persisted for over two and a half years.

Allegations of Targeting and Restricted Communication

Kasim Khan alleged that the former Prime Minister is being persecuted for opposing the Pakistani military’s influence in political matters. He also mentioned the family’s limited communication with Imran Khan, noting that there have been long stretches of no contact. Their most recent conversation ended abruptly during a phone call. The brothers further claimed that Pakistani authorities have denied them the opportunity to obtain visas, effectively preventing them from visiting their father. They described this denial as “collective punishment” and asserted that such actions contravene basic human rights principles.

In their address, the Khan brothers conveyed that their father’s case is emblematic of a more extensive repressive trend in Pakistan that has emerged since 2022. They alleged that thousands of political activists remain detained, while civilians are being subjected to trials in military courts, alongside threats of intimidation, abduction, or forced exile facing journalists. Their statement expressed skepticism regarding the legitimacy of Pakistan’s upcoming general elections in February 2024, alleging that these elections are manipulated to undermine Imran Khan’s party’s chances.

Legal and Human Rights Obligations

The brothers drew attention to Pakistan’s international obligations under the GSP-plus framework, emphasizing the need to adhere to vital human rights treaties such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention Against Torture. They argued that the ongoing detention, lack of medical care, restricted family access, and trials of civilians in military courts represent clear violations of these commitments.

Kasim and Sulaiman Khan expressed their decision to speak out despite their lack of political affiliation, underscoring their distress over their father’s declining health and extended isolation. They called upon the global community to recognize their plight and ensure accountability, affirming their determination to persist in their efforts until their father’s release is achieved.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share