On Tuesday, Jemima Goldsmith, the ex-wife of Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan, called for his immediate release, raising concerns about his treatment in prison. Goldsmith stated that since early September, Pakistani authorities have blocked all visits to Khan by his family and lawyers, postponed his court hearings, and denied him contact with his two sons.
In the last few weeks there have been serious and concerning developments regarding my sons’ father, Imran Khan’s treatment in prison. The Pakistan authorities have stopped all visits to him by his family and his lawyers. They have also postponed all court hearings. In addition…
— Jemima Goldsmith (@Jemima_Khan) October 15, 2024
In a detailed post on social media platform X, she revealed that electricity to his cell had been cut, he was no longer allowed outside, and the prison cook had been sent on leave. “He is now completely isolated, in solitary confinement, literally in the dark, with no contact with the outside world,” wrote Goldsmith, who was married to Khan from 1995 to 2004. The couple shares two sons, Sulaiman and Kasim, who live in London.
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In July, a panel of UN experts condemned Pakistan for arbitrarily detaining Khan, saying it violated international law and appeared to be an attempt to block his political career. Khan, 72, served as Pakistan’s prime minister from 2018 to 2022 and has faced over 200 legal cases since being ousted through a no-confidence vote, which he claims was orchestrated by the country’s military. He has been detained since August last year and barred from running for office. Khan has also applied to become the next chancellor of Oxford University.
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Goldsmith also mentioned that Khan’s family members had been targeted, with his sisters and nephew unlawfully arrested and imprisoned, while she had received rape and death threats from his political rivals. She urged for the release of Khan, his family members, and for him to be allowed contact with his sons to ensure he is safe and not mistreated.
While acknowledging her political differences with Khan, Goldsmith emphasized that this issue transcends politics. “This is about my children’s father, his human rights, and international law,” she concluded.