Imran Khan’s sons allege that authorities are holding the jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder and former prime minister in a “death cell” at Adiala Jail under conditions they describe as severe and degrading.
Speaking to Sky News, Kasim and Sulaiman said their father’s confinement involves restricted light, intermittent electricity, and poor water quality. Sulaiman said the cell resembled those used for death row inmates, adding that the conditions fall short of international standards for prisoner treatment.
“The conditions are awful,” Kasim said, while Sulaiman claimed that electricity to the cell is cut off at times and that Imran Khan is subjected to substandard facilities that do not meet basic human rights norms.
Imran Khan’s sons, Kasim & Sulaiman, say they’re worried they’ll never see their father again and described his conditions in prison as a “death cell”. Watch my full interview on YouTube and my show at 9pm UK time on @SkyNews pic.twitter.com/rfRO8A3hBu
— Yalda Hakim (@SkyYaldaHakim) December 16, 2025Imran Khan has been in custody for more than two years, with his imprisonment remaining a focal point of political tension. PTI supporters have repeatedly protested, citing concerns over access, health, and meeting restrictions. Last week, police dispersed a sit-in by Khan’s sisters outside Adiala Jail after officials said visiting hours had ended. In November, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi staged a lengthy sit-in at the same facility.
Government officials hinted at a possible transfer to another prison. At the same time, the Adiala Jail administration denied that it had considered any such proposal. Government officials have hinted at a possible transfer to another prison. However, the Adiala Jail administration has denied that any such proposal is under consideration.
Sky's lead world presenter @SkyYaldaHakim has spoken to Imran Khan's sons, who described the conditions of their father's prison in Pakistan.
The former prime minister has been in prison since his arrest in August 2023 on corruption charges.
🔗 https://t.co/IjfNNgiDDV pic.twitter.com/JQgDEv8kF6
— Sky News (@SkyNews) December 16, 2025During the interview, the brothers also addressed rumours circulating about their father’s death, which Sulaiman described as “incredibly stressful.” He said he immediately contacted family members in Pakistan to verify the claims. Kasim added that the situation has been emotionally jarring, particularly given their limited ability to intervene from abroad.
According to the brothers, their aunt Uzma later reassured them that Imran Khan appeared physically well but was angry about the conditions of his detention. They also said they plan to visit Pakistan in January, provided authorities honour assurances to facilitate their travel. Kasim confirmed that applicants have submitted visa applications and await approval.
Imran Khan remains in jail. The UN Special Rapporteur on torture has urged the Government of Pakistan ‘to take immediate and effective action to address reports of inhumane and undignified detention.’ I put this to the Pakistani PM’s spokesperson @mosharrafzaidi. Watch 👇🏼 pic.twitter.com/Op8zjPIxjC
— Yalda Hakim (@SkyYaldaHakim) December 17, 2025The possibility of the brothers visiting Pakistan has surfaced before. In July, Khan’s sister Aleema said they intended to join PTI protests. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry stated at the time that officials would issue visas or NICOPs if required and that the government would resolve any procedural delays.
When asked whether they would urge their father to strike a deal to secure his release, Kasim said such a decision rests solely with Imran Khan. He added that leaving Pakistan would conflict with his father’s sense of purpose, despite the personal cost to the family.
Read: UN Rapporteur Warns Imran Khan’s Detention Conditions May Be “Inhuman”
The brothers called on the international community to uphold basic human rights standards. Sulaiman said the minimum expectation is compliance with international norms, while Kasim emphasised adherence to court orders, respect for the rule of law, and access to a personal physician. They also urged independent monitoring of Khan’s condition.
Looking ahead, Kasim said it was becoming increasingly difficult to see a resolution, noting that advisers appear less confident over time. Sulaiman said international pressure can be effective and indicated plans to step up advocacy, including possible visits to Brussels or Geneva in January.
Both brothers have previously lobbied international figures over their father’s detention and met US envoy Richard Grenell in July to raise concerns about Imran Khan’s imprisonment.
