Imran Khan’s Son Appeals to UN, Alleges Torture in ‘Death Cell’ at Adiala Jail

Kasim Khan, son of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, has filed an appeal to United Nations bodies alleging that his father is being kept in a “death cell” under conditions amounting to torture. The claims, made in interviews and press conferences over recent weeks, have stirred international concern.


According to Kasim, Imran Khan is being confined in solitary confinement for 22 hours a day, permitted only two hours of daylight, and deprived of basic amenities. He alleges that the cell is in extremely poor condition, “muddy, dirty water” is used for bathing, there is little light, and he is unable to speak with his sons or legal representatives.


Kasim further claims that at least 10 detainees in similar circumstances have died due to the unsanitary cell conditions. He described periods during which his father went 10 days without any light in the cell, calling the practice a “torture tactic.”


The political party PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) has condemned the “death cell” regime, saying Imran Khan is denied his fundamental rights; access to media (newspapers, television), books, family visits, and contact with his legal counsel. The PTI argues this treatment not only violates his rights as a former prime minister but also those guaranteed under Pakistani and international law.


Imran Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023. He is serving a sentence in a corruption case (involving an estimated £190 million) and faces multiple other charges under the Anti-Terrorism Act connected to the May 9, 2023 protests.


His sons, Kasim and Sulaiman, have called for international scrutiny and support, appealing to foreign governments and UN human rights bodies to investigate and pressure for his fair treatment.


It remains to be seen how the Pakistani government will respond to the UN appeal, and whether independent human rights monitors will be granted meaningful access to verify the allegations.

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