LONDON: Jemima Khan has appealed to UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband to publicly intervene over the medical care and detention conditions of former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan.
In a message on X, Khan asked: “How much longer will Britain remain silent?” She alleged that her former husband had faced prolonged isolation and restricted family contact. Additionally, he had inadequate access to doctors while imprisoned in Pakistan.
She called on Britain to press Pakistan to comply with recent Supreme Court directions concerning Khan’s medical treatment. She also called for access to his personal physician and contact with his family.
The Supreme Court on August 18 ordered that Khan be transferred to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for examination by a medical board. The board would include his personal physician. In addition, it also directed weekly family meetings. It further ordered twice-weekly telephone calls with his sons.
Khan was subsequently taken for a brief hospital examination before being returned to Adiala Jail. This prompted objections from his family and lawyers over how the court order was implemented. Pakistani authorities have rejected allegations of medical neglect and say Khan has received regular examinations and appropriate facilities in custody.
Jemima also cited international standards on prolonged solitary confinement. The United Nations’ Nelson Mandela Rules define solitary confinement lasting more than 15 consecutive days as prolonged. They also restrict its use to exceptional circumstances. A UN Special Rapporteur previously raised allegations over Khan’s detention conditions. The Rapporteur warned that prolonged isolation could amount to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or torture.
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She said Khan’s British links and the citizenship of their sons, Sulaiman and Kasim Khan, gave the UK government a particular reason to speak publicly. She said earlier efforts to secure British intervention had failed. Moreover, she urged the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office to seek restoration of medical and family access.
Burnham became UK prime minister on July 20, 2026, while Miliband was appointed Foreign Secretary the same day.
