Imran Khan Kept in Solitary Confinement, Left ‘Literally in the Dark,-Ex-Wife Jemima Goldsmith Alleges

LONDON — Jemima Goldsmith, ex-wife of Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan, has voiced grave concerns about his deteriorating conditions in prison. In a series of public statements made on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Goldsmith described her ex-husband’s solitary confinement as “inhumane” and urged for his immediate release.

The accusations come at a time of heightened political tension in Pakistan. Goldsmith claimed that Khan had been left “literally in the dark” after prison authorities cut off electricity to his cell, leaving him completely isolated. Since early September, all court hearings have been postponed, and he has been denied contact with his family, lawyers, and even his sons, Sulaiman and Kasim, who reside in London.

Goldsmith’s claims have added fuel to an already fiery political scene, as supporters of Khan and his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), are calling for nationwide protests.

Solitary Confinement, No Legal Access, and A Family Under Siege

Goldsmith, who was married to Khan from 1995 to 2004, shared a detailed account of the conditions Khan is allegedly enduring. According to her, not only has electricity been cut off in Khan’s prison cell, but the jail cook has also been sent on leave, and Khan is no longer allowed to leave his cell for any reason.

In addition to the physical conditions, Goldsmith also highlighted that Khan’s weekly calls to his sons had been halted as of September 10, 2024. This, combined with the lack of access to his lawyers, has raised alarms about his safety and well-being.

These concerns are compounded by allegations that Khan’s family members have also been targeted. Goldsmith claimed that Khan’s nephew, Hassan Niazi, has been detained in military custody since August 2023, and more recently, his sisters, Uzma and Aleema Khan, were arrested on their way to a peaceful demonstration. These arrests, Goldsmith asserts, are politically motivated and unlawful.

International Scrutiny and Human Rights Concerns

Khan, 72, who served as Pakistan’s prime minister from 2018 to 2022, has been embroiled in over 200 legal cases since being ousted from office. Many of these cases, his supporters argue, are politically motivated. Khan has been in detention since August 2023 and has been barred from running for office again, adding to the controversy surrounding his imprisonment.

In July 2024, a panel of UN experts criticized Pakistan for arbitrarily detaining Khan in violation of international law. These experts pointed out that the detention seemed designed to prevent Khan from participating in Pakistan’s political process, an allegation that has drawn international attention. Despite these concerns, the Pakistan government has denied any wrongdoing.

Khan’s legal team continues to express concerns about his safety, particularly given the alleged lack of access to medical care. On October 15, Khan’s personal physician, Dr. Asim Hussain, was reportedly denied access to examine him, despite waiting outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi for hours. Government-appointed doctors, who were allowed to examine Khan, released a report stating he was in “good health.” However, Khan’s party spokesperson Raoof Hasan cast doubt on the report’s credibility, stating that the doctors involved were government employees and had previously falsified Khan’s medical records.

Political Repression or Legitimate Law Enforcement?

Khan’s supporters, particularly members of PTI, view the former prime minister’s imprisonment as part of a broader effort by the Pakistan government to stifle political dissent. Goldsmith’s claims that Khan’s sisters and nephew were unlawfully detained align with a narrative of political persecution, according to PTI officials. The party, which has been banned ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming elections, continues to rally support for Khan despite these challenges.

Samina Yasmeen, director of the Centre for Muslim States and Societies at the University of Western Australia, suggests that the government’s heavy-handed tactics are reflective of its insecurity. “The government is already so weak and feeling under threat, so their main reaction is to put as much pressure as they can on PTI and especially Khan,” Yasmeen commented.

Mounting Pressure and Future Uncertainty

In recent months, the situation surrounding Khan has only intensified. PTI’s calls for Khan’s release and the re-establishment of contact with his family are gaining momentum. The political party has hinted at the possibility of calling for a national strike should the current government continue its repressive tactics.

The case has also drawn international attention, with the U.S. House of Representatives voting overwhelmingly for an investigation into alleged election rigging in Pakistan. Although the vote is largely symbolic, it reflects a growing concern about Pakistan’s political and human rights situation on the global stage.

Despite the mounting pressure, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif defended the treatment of Khan, stating, “Imran [has been] extended far more humanity than he ever exhibited for his opponents.”

Khan’s Political Future and Family Struggles

Khan’s legal troubles and the current state of his family have cast doubt on his political future. Although he has applied for the position of Chancellor at Oxford University, it remains unclear whether he will be allowed to participate in Pakistan’s political landscape again. His ex-wife’s public statements have cast a harsh light on the treatment of Khan and his family, raising questions about the country’s adherence to democratic principles.

Goldsmith concluded her plea by calling for the immediate release of Khan, his sisters, and nephew, as well as the restoration of his right to communicate with his sons. With tensions rising, both domestically and internationally, it remains to be seen how Pakistan’s political crisis will unfold in the coming months.