Imran Khan’s Sons Accuse Pakistani Government of Blocking Family Visits

The sons of jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan have publicly accused the current government of deliberately refusing them visas to visit their father. This allegation adds a new layer of international scrutiny to the ongoing political and legal saga surrounding the country’s most prominent opposition figure.

Allegations of Deliberate Obstruction

In statements made from abroad, Qasim Khan and Sulaiman Isa Khan claimed that the administration of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is intentionally preventing them from obtaining visas to enter Pakistan. They argue this move is a calculated effort to isolate their father, who has been imprisoned since August of last year following a conviction in a case his supporters and many international observers deem politically motivated.

The brothers stated that their attempts to secure visas through proper channels have been met with silence and obstruction. They interpret this as a direct order from the highest levels of government to block family access. For general investors, such claims highlight the intense and personal nature of Pakistan’s political conflicts, which can contribute to an unpredictable policy environment.

Concerns Over Health and Treatment in Prison

Beyond the visa issue, Khan’s sons raised serious concerns about their father’s welfare in prison. They allege he is being held in solitary confinement and, more critically, is being denied proper medical treatment for a serious eye condition. They claim the condition could lead to permanent vision loss if not addressed by specialists.

These health allegations are particularly sensitive. Imran Khan, 71, survived an assassination attempt in 2022 and has previously complained of various ailments. The family’s statements frame his treatment not as a standard judicial process but as a potential human rights issue, aiming to galvanize diplomatic pressure on the Sharif government.

A Broader Accusation: “Hollow Democracy”

The family’s accusations extend far beyond personal grievance. In their appeal, they declared that democracy in Pakistan is “hollow” and that human rights are being “crushed.” This rhetoric is aimed squarely at international audiences, including foreign governments and multilateral bodies like the United Nations.

They have urged these international bodies to intervene to prevent what they call “irreversible harm.” This strategy seeks to externalize Pakistan’s domestic political crisis, potentially affecting the country’s foreign relations and its standing with global institutions. For the business community, such instability and international censure can influence economic confidence and complicate investment assessments.

Context and Government Response

The allegations come amid a prolonged crackdown on Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party following violent protests last year. Thousands of his supporters have been arrested, and many party leaders have defected under pressure. The government has consistently denied that legal cases against Khan are politically driven, maintaining that the judiciary is independent.

While there has been no formal, immediate response to the latest visa allegations from the government, officials have previously stated that Khan receives all necessary medical care as per prison regulations. They often dismiss criticism from Khan’s family and party as attempts to evade the law and garner sympathy.

This ongoing dispute underscores the deep political polarization in Pakistan. For investors monitoring the country, the situation serves as a reminder of the significant non-economic risks that can impact market stability and governance. The call for international intervention by Khan’s family suggests that the pressure on Pakistan’s political system is unlikely to subside soon, with potential implications for its economic trajectory and international engagements.