Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been embroiled in a series of legal battles since his ouster in a parliamentary no-confidence vote in 2022. However, his current situation has taken a dire turn as he is now being kept in solitary confinement in a dark jail cell, with no contact with the outside world. This development has sparked widespread concern among his supporters and family members, particularly his ex-wife Jemima Goldsmith, who has been vocal about his mistreatment.
According to Jemima Goldsmith, Imran Khan is currently lodged at the Adilala Jail in Rawalpindi, where he has been since his arrest on August 5, 2023. In a recent social media post, she detailed the harsh conditions he is facing. 'He is now completely isolated, in solitary confinement, literally in the dark, with no contact with the outside world,' she wrote. 'His weekly calls to his sons, Sulaiman and Kasim Khan, who are British and live in London, were stopped on September 10.'
The jail cook has been sent on leave, and electricity has been cut off in his cell, leaving him in complete isolation.
This treatment has raised serious concerns about his safety and well-being, with his lawyers expressing deep worry over his condition.
The situation is not just limited to Imran Khan; his family members are also facing similar hardships. His sisters, Uzma and Aleema Khan, were arrested recently while peacefully demonstrating in support of their brother. They are currently being held in jail despite there being no proper or lawful basis for their imprisonment.
Additionally, Imran Khan's nephew, Hassan Niazi, has been detained in military custody since August 2023. These actions have been seen as an attempt by the government to silence all political opposition.
Jemima Goldsmith has called for the immediate release of her former husband and his family members, emphasizing that this is not about political differences but about human rights and international law.
The allegations made by Jemima Goldsmith come amid the ongoing two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Islamabad, which has drawn top leaders from member states and turned the capital city into a fortress. The government's actions in isolating Imran Khan have been criticized as a move to suppress dissent during a critical international event.
In response to these allegations, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif defended the government's actions by stating that Imran Khan has been extended far more humanity than he ever exhibited for his opponents.
The international community has also taken notice of Imran Khan's plight. A panel of UN experts in July criticized Pakistan for arbitrarily detaining him in breach of international law, calling for his immediate release. Despite these calls, no concrete action has been taken by the White House, which has been seen as a reflection of the duplicity of the Western world in addressing human rights issues in Pakistan.
The U.S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly in June for an investigation into alleged poll-rigging in Pakistan, echoing separate calls by the UK and EU. However, no executive action has been taken by the White House.
The increasing pressure on Imran Khan and his family comes as the PTI planned a series of flash protests in Islamabad to coincide with the SCO Summit. These protests were aimed at highlighting the government's actions and drawing international attention to the situation.
Samina Yasmeen, director of the Centre for Muslim States and Societies at the University of Western Australia, noted that 'the government is already so weak and feeling under threat, so their main reaction is to put as much pressure as they can on the PTI and especially Khan.'
The PTI has vowed to continue protesting unless Khan receives access to his family, lawyers, and doctors.
In a rare demonstration of bipartisan resolve, the U.S. House of Representatives voted by an overwhelming margin (368-7) in June for an investigation into alleged poll-rigging in Pakistan. This move was seen as a significant step towards addressing the democratic and human rights concerns in the country.
However, despite these efforts, Imran Khan remains in solitary confinement, facing severe isolation and mistreatment at the hands of the Pakistani authorities.
Jemima Goldsmith has also faced personal threats due to her husband's political situation. She revealed on social media that she had received rape threats from Imran Khan's opponents. This adds another layer of concern for her safety and well-being as she continues to advocate for her former husband's rights.
The situation highlights the broader issues of human rights and political repression in Pakistan, where dissent is often met with severe consequences.
The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention found that Imran Khan was unlawfully and arbitrarily detained in breach of international law. This finding underscores the need for immediate action to ensure his release and proper treatment.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether international pressure will lead to any changes in the treatment of Imran Khan and his family.
In conclusion, Imran Khan's plight serves as a stark reminder of the human rights challenges faced by political opponents in Pakistan. The international community must continue to advocate for his release and proper treatment, ensuring that human rights are upheld even in the face of political differences.
