Imran Khan Endures Severe Mental Pressure, Says Sister — Report After 1 Prison Visit
Imran Khan is reported to be in good physical health but is facing severe mental torture, says his sister after visiting him in Adiala Jail
Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan is in good health but largely confined to solitary conditions in prison, his sister Uzma Khan said Tuesday, following her first family visit in weeks.
Uzma Khan’s remarks appear aimed at reassuring Khan’s millions of supporters amid widespread concern over his wellbeing, which at times included rumors questioning whether he was still alive.
The 73-year-old former cricket star has been serving multiple prison sentences since 2023 on corruption and other charges. His wife, Bushra Bibi, is also imprisoned for graft, though the couple is reportedly allowed to meet only during court appearances.
Speaking from Rawalpindi, where Khan is held, Uzma said her brother was “perfectly in good health” but frustrated by his largely solitary confinement. She quoted him as saying the “mental torture” of isolation is “worse than physical abuse.”
Supporters of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party had gathered outside Adiala Prison since early Tuesday, anxiously awaiting news. Authorities deployed hundreds of officers and banned rallies in the area and in Islamabad.
Khan’s spokesperson Zulfiquar Bukhari criticized the limited access, calling it “mental torture,” and demanded that the family and legal team be allowed regular meetings.
Khan, ousted in a no-confidence vote in April 2022, remains a vocal critic of the current government, alleging that the 2024 parliamentary elections were rigged in favor of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a claim denied by authorities.
He is serving multiple convictions ranging from corruption to revealing state secrets, with concurrent sentences meaning only the longest term is served.
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently held in Adiala Jail, is reportedly in good physical health but facing severe mental and emotional stress, according to his sister, Aleema Khan, following a recent jail visit. The statement sheds light on the challenges Khan is enduring while in custody, raising concerns about his well-being and the pressures of his ongoing legal and political battles.
During her visit, Aleema Khan confirmed that Imran Khan remains physically fit and is receiving adequate medical care inside the facility. She emphasized that while his body is in good shape, the mental strain of imprisonment is taking a significant toll.
Health experts and political observers have noted that long-term incarceration, even in good physical conditions, can lead to psychological stress, anxiety, and emotional fatigue, especially for high-profile figures like Imran Khan, whose political life and public image remain under constant scrutiny.
Aleema Khan described her brother’s condition as “mental torture”, highlighting the emotional and psychological challenges he faces behind bars. While the term may refer to restricted freedom, constant monitoring, and high-pressure interrogation sessions, it also likely includes stress from political uncertainty, public attention, and ongoing legal battles.
Analysts say that being separated from supporters, family, and political activities can exacerbate feelings of isolation and stress, particularly for someone like Imran Khan, who has spent decades in the public eye.
Imran Khan’s imprisonment comes amid ongoing legal proceedings, including cases of corruption, contempt of court, and alleged misuse of authority during his tenure as Prime Minister. These legal challenges have not only led to his incarceration but have also intensified the political pressure surrounding him.
The jail visit by Aleema Khan comes at a time when the political environment in Pakistan is highly charged. Imran Khan remains a key figure for his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and his absence from the public arena has created tensions and protests among supporters demanding his release.
The statement by Imran Khan’s sister is one of the first public confirmations regarding his mental state while in custody. She stressed that while his physical health is intact, the mental and emotional challenges of imprisonment are serious and should not be overlooked.
Family members have reportedly requested adequate legal and medical support for Khan to ensure that his psychological well-being is monitored and protected during his detention. Their statements have sparked discussions on both national and international platforms about the treatment of political prisoners in Pakistan.
Supporters of Imran Khan and PTI members have reacted strongly to Aleema Khan’s statement, describing the conditions as unfair and oppressive. Several political commentators have argued that while physical health checks are standard in prisons, mental health support for high-profile inmates is often insufficient, potentially aggravating stress and anxiety.
Social media platforms have been flooded with messages calling for improved conditions for Imran Khan, emphasizing the need for fair treatment and mental health care for political leaders in detention.
Imran Khan’s current situation in Adiala Jail highlights the complex intersection of politics, legal battles, and human rights. While his physical health appears stable, the acknowledgment of mental torture by his sister underscores the psychological challenges high-profile political figures face in prison.
As the political and legal processes unfold, the international community, media, and human rights organizations are likely to continue monitoring his well-being closely, with mental health becoming a key concern alongside physical security.
For followers and supporters of Imran Khan, this revelation serves as a reminder that while imprisonment can restrict physical freedom, the mind remains vulnerable to immense pressure, making mental health support a critical component of humane incarceration.
