Geneva [Switzerland], March 28 (ANI): At the sidelines of the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Imran Khan’s sons, Kasim Khan and Sulaiman Khan, delivered an emotional, strongly worded statement alleging “unjust and inhumane” conditions of their father’s detention in Pakistan.
Sulaiman said his father has been incarcerated for nearly 1,000 days, noting the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has described the detention as “arbitrary.” He also cited the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, who warned the detention conditions could amount to torture.
The brothers demanded immediate intervention, calling for access to legal counsel, family visits, and independent medical care for Imran Khan.
They described him as held in a small solitary cell under constant surveillance, living in poor conditions including insect infestation, which they said has persisted for over two and a half years.
Kasim alleged Imran Khan is being targeted for challenging the Pakistani military’s role in politics. He said the family has had minimal contact, with months passing without communication and their last interaction a brief phone call that was abruptly cut off.
The brothers accused Pakistani authorities of denying them visas to visit their father, calling it “collective punishment” and a violation of basic human rights.
They framed Imran Khan’s case as part of a wider pattern of repression since 2022, alleging thousands of political workers remain detained, civilians are tried in military courts, and journalists face intimidation, abduction, or exile.
They also questioned the credibility of Pakistan’s February 2024 general elections, alleging manipulation to prevent Imran Khan’s party from returning to power.
Pointing to international obligations under the GSP-plus framework, the brothers said Pakistan is bound by treaties such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention Against Torture, and argued that detention without adequate care or access, and trying civilians in military courts, breaches those commitments.
Concluding their address, Kasim and Sulaiman said they were compelled to speak despite not being politically inclined, citing their father’s deteriorating health and prolonged isolation. They urged the international community to take cognisance and ensure accountability, and said they will continue their efforts until their father is released. (ANI)
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