Sons of former prime minister Imran Khan have said their father will not change his position despite spending years in jail,adding that he would rather stay in prison than compromise on his political beliefs.
According to a report published in The Times, Khan’s sons, Suleman and Kasim, recently spoke to their father after a long gap of nearly two months. The call lasted around half an hour and was the first contact since January. During the conversation, they said, their father appeared mentally strong and focused despite difficult conditions.
The report said that Khan has now been in jail for close to 1,000 days. He was first arrested in May 2023 and later moved to Adiala jail after another arrest. He is currently serving sentences in multiple cases, while his supporters say the charges are politically motivated.
His sons described how conversations with their father are different from normal family calls. Instead of talking about his health, Khan spends time giving them advice and sharing lessons from his experience in prison. They said he often speaks about patience, strength and standing firm on principles.
They added that when asked about his health, Khan played down his condition. However, there are concerns about his eyesight, which they said has been affected during his time in custody. Reports also suggest that his personal doctor and family have not always been allowed regular access to him.
The sons also spoke about the emotional pressure on the family. Khan, they said, is more worried about his wife than himself, as he believes she is also facing harsh conditions in jail.
Despite these challenges, the sons insisted that their father remains firm in his stance. They said he believes he cannot be forced to change his position and would prefer to stay in prison rather than accept any deal that goes against his views.
The report further said that Khan’s sons, who had largely stayed away from public life, are now speaking out to raise awareness about his situation. They are planning to highlight the issue at international forums, including the United Nations, to draw attention to his imprisonment and prison conditions.
International organisations have also raised concerns. A United Nations body earlier said that Khan’s detention could be against international law, while human rights officials have called for better treatment and access to medical care.
The developments come at a time when Pakistan’s political environment remains tense. Khan, once one of the country’s most popular leaders, continues to have strong public support even while in jail. His case has become a major issue in both domestic politics and international discussions on human rights.
In their remarks, his sons made it clear that their father’s position is unlikely to change. They said he believes in standing firm, even if it means spending the rest of his life behind bars.
