In a rare public statement, former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s sons, Suleman and Qasim Khan, spoke out on May 13, 2025, about their father’s prolonged incarceration, urging international pressure to secure his release from what they describe as inhumane prison conditions.
In an interview with influencer Mario Nawfal, the brothers expressed their frustration with failed legal efforts and limited communication, marking their first public appeal to address the former leader’s situation and advocate for democracy in Pakistan.
Suleman and Qasim, who had remained silent until now, explained their decision to speak publicly after exhausting legal avenues. Qasim stated, “We’ve gone through every route we thought would get him out… The only route now is to speak publicly.” They highlighted sporadic access to their father, despite a November 2023 court order allowing weekly calls, and described his detention as lacking basic human rights. X posts from supporters amplified their call, praising their courage while criticising Pakistan’s judicial system.
🚨🇵🇰 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: IMRAN KHAN’S SONS BREAK THEIR SILENCE
Every once in a while, I conduct an interview that could shape the politics of a country.
This may be one of them.
Imran Khan, who I spoke with just weeks before his arrest, was one of the most popular leaders of… https://t.co/XrUxdZqzib pic.twitter.com/z7OBUOdw22
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) May 13, 2025The brothers appealed for global action, with Qasim emphasising, “What we want is international pressure on Pakistan right now.” Suleman noted the issue’s fading international media coverage, urging renewed attention. They welcomed support from U.S. official Richard Grenell, who has called for Khan’s release, and expressed hope for engagement with the Trump administration, with Qasim adding, “Who better than Trump to gain the attention of?” Their plea for free speech and democracy resonated on X, where users debated U.S. involvement in Pakistan’s politics.
Imran Khan, PTI founder and former prime minister, has been imprisoned since August 2023 on charges including corruption, which supporters claim are politically motivated. The brothers’ appeal follows Pakistan’s stabilisation post the May 10 India-Pakistan ceasefire, shifting focus to domestic issues like Khan’s detention.
“He’d hate me saying it, but he’s a man in his 70s; he might look younger, but he’s a man in his 70s. He is being kept in a tiny cell, no electricity for days, no access to doctors, and he's been shot recently. The treatment being given to him is inhumane.” – Imran Khan’s son,… pic.twitter.com/ikpZS70QOQ
— PTI (@PTIofficial) May 13, 2025As Suleman noted, the lack of progress through legal channels has driven their public campaign, with X posts speculating on potential diplomatic pressure from Western governments.
The sons’ call highlights concerns over Pakistan’s judicial independence and human rights, potentially influencing international perceptions. Given limited direct contact with figures like Grenell, their reliance on public advocacy underscores the challenge of mobilising global support. The Trump administration’s response on whether U.S. intervention would aid or complicate Khan’s release efforts remains uncertain.
