Pakistan’s imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan could be released on health grounds, with preliminary third-party talks underway because of the issue’s political sensitivity, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
Several sources close to Pakistan’s powerful military and members of Khan’s family confirmed that discussions were taking place.
“This continuing political impasse must end if Pakistan is to move forward, because prolonged political instability has caused irreparable harm to the country,” one source briefed on the talks said.
Khan, founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, has been held at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi for three years. He has not been seen in public since his 2023 arrest in a corruption case. Although he was charged with corruption, supporters and observers widely believe his imprisonment stems primarily from his dispute with the powerful military.
Legal and administrative procedures generally require specific and credible grounds for release from prison. Khan, 73, could therefore be released for health reasons. He underwent eye surgery earlier this year.
Relatives have not been allowed to meet Khan for several months. His family has expressed serious concern about his health because contact has been completely cut off. Rumors recently circulated that he had died.
In a statement to the British newspaper The Observer, Khan’s sons, Sulaiman Khan and Kasim Khan, said remaining silent was no longer an option.
“Our father has been completely cut off from the outside world for more than seven months,” they said. “We fear his health has deteriorated because of his prolonged imprisonment. We are also being denied regular and independent communication with him.”
Khan’s international media adviser, Sayed Zulfi Bukhari, told The Observer: “Imran Khan’s health is deteriorating rapidly and he urgently needs proper medical care. He is being held in solitary confinement. Even his sisters, family members and lawyers are not allowed to meet him. If the government acted with even minimal responsibility, it would release him on health grounds.”
Khan’s principal rival, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, was allowed to travel to London for treatment in 2019 under a similar political arrangement. Sharif had also been imprisoned on corruption charges after a dispute with the military.
Political analysts said any agreement involving Khan could include strict conditions such as leaving the country, withdrawing from politics and making no political statements.
There is considerable doubt, however, that Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup-winning cricket captain would accept such terms.
His close friend and human rights lawyer Clive Stafford Smith said: “Imran is a very stubborn man. He never wore a helmet even when facing the West Indies’ fast bowlers on the cricket field. I therefore doubt he would accept such strict terms for political freedom. As a personal friend, however, I want him to accept them because I do not want him to die alone in prison.”
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report