Former Pakistani leader Imran Khan's sister confirms he is in good health, dispelling rumors

ISLAMABAD Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, is reportedly in good health despite being largely held in isolation, according to his sister, Uzma Khan, who visited him on Tuesday. This marked her first family visit in several weeks.

Uzma Khans statement aimed to reassure the millions of supporters in Pakistan and abroad who had expressed worry about his condition, including unfounded concerns about whether he was still alive. Authorities have repeatedly dismissed such rumors as baseless.

Khan, 73, has been serving multiple prison sentences since 2023, following convictions on corruption and other charges. He and his supporters claim these cases are politically motivated to hinder his career. His wife, Bushra Bibi, who is also convicted of graft, is in the same prison but the couple is only allowed to meet in court, according to supporters.

Speaking from Rawalpindi, where Khan is held, Uzma Khan said her brother appeared perfectly in good health but was visibly angry due to his predominantly solitary confinement. She quoted him saying that the mental strain of isolation is worse than physical punishment.

Supporters of Khans party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, gathered outside Adiala prison early Tuesday, eager for updates on Khans condition after no visits since November 4. Security forces deployed hundreds of officers around the prison and imposed a ban on rallies in the area and across Islamabad.

Khans spokesperson, Zulfiquar Bukhari, noted that only one sister was allowed a brief meeting. He urged that Khans family and legal team should have regular access, calling the restrictions mental torture.

Khan was removed from office in April 2022 through a no-confidence vote, leaving his party in opposition. Both he and his party allege that the 2024 parliamentary elections were rigged in favor of the current Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, a claim the government denies. Khan currently serves multiple sentences, covering convictions ranging from corruption to disclosure of state secrets, but serves only the longest of these terms.

Author: Maya Henderson