Jemima Goldsmith, the ex-wife of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, has expressed serious concerns about his treatment in prison through a series of tweets. In her statements, she highlighted the deteriorating conditions faced by Khan, who has been in detention since earlier this year, and called for immediate action to address his isolation and restricted contact with his family.
Goldsmith revealed that in recent weeks, the Pakistan authorities have cut off all contact between Khan and his family, including their sons, Sulaiman and Kasim Khan, who live in London. Despite a court order permitting weekly phone calls, all communication with his sons was stopped on 10th September. Furthermore, visits by Khan’s family and legal team have been suspended, and all court hearings have been postponed, according to Goldsmith.
Reports suggest that Khan is now being held in solitary confinement with no access to electricity or light in his cell. The prison cook has also been sent on leave, and he is reportedly not allowed to leave his cell at any time. Goldsmith and his lawyers have raised concerns about his safety and well-being under these conditions.
In addition to Imran Khan’s situation, Goldsmith pointed to the broader targeting of his family and supporters, including the arrest of his nephew Hassan Niazi, who has been in military custody since August 2023. Khan’s sisters, Uzma and Aleema Khan, were also arrested recently while on their way to a peaceful demonstration and remain in jail without legal justification, according to Goldsmith.
The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention declared in June that Imran Khan’s detention is unlawful and called for his immediate release. Goldsmith’s plea for urgent action includes the release of Khan, his sisters, and his nephew, as well as the restoration of contact between Khan and his sons, to ensure his safety and well-being.