In a significant development within Pakistan’s ongoing political saga, former Prime Minister Imran Khan has finally connected with his sons through a supervised telephone conversation lasting approximately twenty minutes. This communication occurred following a direct order from Pakistan’s Chief Justice, marking a rare familial interaction since Khan’s incarceration began in August 2023.
Aleema Khanum, Khan’s sister, confirmed the exchange via social media platform X, stating the former cricket star turned politician expressed immense joy upon hearing his sons’ voices after an extended period of separation. The conversation represents a minor concession in an otherwise stringent detention regime that has drawn international scrutiny.
The development emerges against a backdrop of escalating tensions regarding Khan’s treatment. His sons, residing in the United Kingdom, have reportedly faced visa denials preventing physical visits to Pakistan. Kasim Khan, Khan’s younger son, has characterized these restrictions as systematic persecution, appealing to global human rights organizations and democratic nations to intervene against what he describes as politically motivated injustice.
Medical concerns compound the situation. Recent court submissions reveal Khan has been diagnosed with a right central retinal vein occlusion, a serious vascular eye condition. Although prison authorities transferred him to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences for a brief surgical procedure on February 6, his family asserts significant treatment delays have exacerbated vision deterioration. They demand immediate specialist care at Shifa International Hospital under supervision of his personal physicians to prevent permanent vision loss.
Khan, sentenced to 14 years on corruption charges among dozens of cases, maintains these allegations constitute a deliberate campaign by military establishments to eliminate his political influence—a claim the armed forces consistently deny. The Supreme Court initiated review proceedings after lawyer Salman Safdar petitioned for adequate medical access and family visitation rights.
This episode highlights continuing tensions between Pakistan’s judiciary, military establishment, and political factions, with Khan’s health and treatment conditions becoming a focal point for broader debates about democratic norms and human rights protections in the country.