Imprisonment of Imran Khan

Imprisonment of Imran Khan
OccupationsPolitician, former Prime Minister
Criminal statusIncarcerated at Adiala Jail
AllegiancePakistan
ConvictionsCorruption (2023)
Mishandling state gifts (2023–2024)
Leaking state secrets (2024)
Criminal penaltyMultiple sentences (some suspended or overturned)
Imprisoned atAdiala Jail, Rawalpindi

The imprisonment of Imran Khan refers to the ongoing detention of Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, since his arrest in August 2023. Khan, who founded the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, has faced multiple legal cases following his removal from office via a no-confidence vote in April 2022. His detention stems from convictions in corruption cases, including the Toshakhana case and Al-Qadir Trust case, as well as charges related to leaking state secrets and incitement during protests. Some convictions have been overturned or suspended on appeal, but new charges have kept him incarcerated.

Khan's imprisonment has sparked widespread protests by PTI supporters demanding his release, with notable clashes in May 2023 and November 2024. Reports of restricted access for family, lawyers, and party members have raised concerns about isolation and potential mistreatment. Health issues, including significant vision loss in one eye attributed to delayed medical care, emerged in early 2026. Khan and his party maintain that the cases are politically motivated by the military establishment and the government of Shehbaz Sharif, claims denied by authorities.

As of February 2026, Khan remains in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, facing over 180 cases across Pakistan. The situation has drawn international attention from human rights groups, with calls for his release citing alleged violations of due process.

Background

Imran Khan served as Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022, during which he faced accusations of corruption and misuse of office. After his ouster, he alleged foreign interference and organised rallies against the succeeding coalition government.[1] Legal proceedings intensified in 2023, leading to his initial arrest on 9 May at the Islamabad High Court in the Al-Qadir Trust case. He was briefly released but re-arrested on 5 August 2023 after a conviction in the Toshakhana case for misusing state gifts.[2]

Subsequent convictions included a 10-year sentence in the cypher case for leaking diplomatic documents (overturned in June 2024),[3] a 14-year term in the Toshakhana case (suspended in April 2024),[4] and further sentences in the Al-Qadir Trust and iddat cases.[5] By December 2024, Khan faced 186 cases, with additional charges for incitement related to the May 2023 protests.[6] In December 2025, he received a 17-year sentence in the Toshakhana-II case and a 14-year term in the Al-Qadir Trust case.[7]

Imprisonment conditions

Khan is held in Adiala Jail, where authorities report he has access to amenities including a walking area, television, exercise equipment, and a separate kitchen.[8] However, Khan has described his cell as a "death cell" typically used for high-risk prisoners, with limited outdoor time.[9] In May 2024, he informed the Supreme Court of solitary confinement with restricted access to lawyers and family.[10] The government denies mistreatment, stating facilities comply with regulations for former officials.[11]

Protests for release

Khan's arrests triggered significant unrest. The May 2023 arrest led to the May 9 riots, where PTI supporters attacked military installations, resulting in over 9,000 arrests and at least 10 deaths. Authorities responded with force, drawing criticism from human rights groups.[12]

Protests continued into 2024 and 2025, including a major rally in November 2024 led by his wife Bushra Bibi, demanding his release and reversal of a constitutional amendment.[13] Thousands marched on Islamabad demanding Khan's release, defying lockdowns and police clashes.[14] Protests continued into 2025, with PTI delegations demonstrating outside Adiala Jail over access restrictions.[15]

In July 2025, PTI announced a 90-day street-level protest campaign across Pakistan, framing it as a rejection of political suppression and demanding Khan's release.[16] This included rallies and road blockades in various provinces, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa then Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur leading announcements.[16]

On the second anniversary of his jailing in August 2025, thousands rallied nationwide, resulting in over 240 arrests.[17][18] PTI described these as peaceful demonstrations for democracy, while authorities cited violence and imposed lockdowns.[19] In December 2025, supporters rallied in Islamabad and Rawalpindi amid health rumours.[20]

On 13 February 2026, following reports of Khan's severe vision loss, Tehreek Tahafuz Ayin staged a sit-in outside Parliament House in Islamabad, demanding his transfer to Al-Shifa Hospital for treatment.[21][22][23] The Red Zone was sealed, and parliament lights were turned off during the protest.[24][25] Countrywide demonstrations occurred, including road blockades in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rallies outside press clubs in Karachi and Lahore, and protests in Peshawar.[26][27] PTI leaders warned of escalated actions if medical facilities were not provided promptly.[26]

Denied family and party visits

Access to Khan has been intermittently restricted. In June 2024, he reported solitary confinement with limited meetings for lawyers and family, though authorities claimed he had amenities and visitation rights. From November 2025, family and party members were barred for over three weeks, prompting protests and court interventions.[15]

Khan's sister, Uzma Khanum, met him on 2 December 2025 after a month-long denial, reporting he appeared healthy but isolated.[28] PTI alleged violations of prison rules allowing weekly visits.[20] In February 2026, the Supreme Court ordered phone access to his sons and medical evaluations.[29]

Health concerns

Khan undergoes bi-weekly medical examinations, with no issues reported as of October 2024. In January 2026, he underwent an eye procedure at a government hospital amid speculation.[2] By February 2026, his lawyer reported 85% vision loss in the right eye due to central retinal vein occlusion, attributing it to delayed treatment since October 2025.[30][29] Authorities planned to transfer him to a new Islamabad Jail with medical facilities by April 2026.[31]

Impact

The imprisonment has polarised Pakistani politics, with PTI boycotting aspects of the 2024 elections and alleging military interference.[14] International bodies, including Amnesty International and the UN, have called for his release, citing arbitrary detention.[32][33]

See also

References

  1. ^ Sarah Shamim (2025-12-03). "Why jail access to Pakistan's Imran Khan has caused a political storm". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  2. ^ a b "Pakistan's jailed Imran Khan loses 85% vision in right eye, lawyer says". Reuters. 2026-02-13. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  3. ^ "Pakistan former PM Imran Khan acquitted in state secrets case". www.bbc.com. June 3, 2024.
  4. ^ Asad, Malik (April 2, 2024). "Imran, Bushra's sentences suspended in Toshakhana case". Dawn.
  5. ^ https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-court-sentences-ex-pm-imran-khan-14-years-land-graft-case-ary-news-2025-01-17
  6. ^ "How the ouster and jailing of Imran Khan enabled closer ties between Pakistan and the US". asialink.unimelb.edu.au.
  7. ^ https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-court-hands-imran-khan-wife-17-year-jail-terms-another-graft-case-2025-12-20
  8. ^ "Pakistan government submits details, photos of ex-PM Khan's life in jail". Reuters. 6 June 2024. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  9. ^ "Imran Khan's health in 'grave danger' after eye blockage diagnosis, party says". The Guardian. 28 January 2026. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  10. ^ "Why jail access to Pakistan's Imran Khan has caused a political storm". Al Jazeera. 3 December 2025. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  11. ^ "Party of Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan seeks prison visit over health concerns". Reuters. 27 November 2025. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  12. ^ "Imran Khan: Mass protests across Pakistan after ex-PM arrest". BBC. 2023-05-09. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  13. ^ "Imran Khan calls for 'fight till the end' as Pakistan gov't rules out talks". Al Jazeera. 26 November 2024. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  14. ^ a b "Thousands Defy Pakistan Crackdown to Rally for Imran Khan's Release". The New York Times. 2024-11-25. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  15. ^ a b "Party of Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan seeks prison visit over health concerns". Reuters. 2025-11-27. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  16. ^ a b "PTI Shifts to Street-Level Protest Strategy in Bid To Free Imran Khan". The Media Line. 15 July 2025. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  17. ^ "Pakistan police arrest 240 protesters demanding ex-PM Khan's release". Reuters. 5 August 2025. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  18. ^ "Imran Khan's supporters rally in Pakistan on two years of imprisonment". Al Jazeera. 5 August 2025. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  19. ^ "Nearly 1,000 held in Pakistan after pro-Khan protests". Reuters. 27 November 2024. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  20. ^ a b "Why jail access to Pakistan's Imran Khan has caused a political storm". Al Jazeera. 2025-12-03. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  21. ^ "Defiant TTAP stage sit-in at Parliament House over Imran's health, vow to remain until demands fulfilled". Dawn. 13 February 2026. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  22. ^ "Opposition protests over Imran Khan's eye treatment as government offers specialist care". Arab News. 13 February 2026. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  23. ^ "TTAP begins sit-in outside Parliament, seeks Imran Khan's transfer to Al-Shifa hospital". The Express Tribune. 13 February 2026. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  24. ^ "Red Zone locked down as opposition launches sit-in over Imran Khan's health". Pakistan Today. 13 February 2026. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  25. ^ "Parliament lights turned off as opposition holds sit-in for PTI founder". arynews.tv. February 13, 2026.
  26. ^ a b "PTI protests across country over denial of care to Imran". Dawn. 14 February 2026. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  27. ^ "PTI stages rally over Imran's health". The Express Tribune. 14 February 2026. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  28. ^ "Imran Khan healthy but cut off in jail, sister says as family seeks access". Reuters. 2025-12-02. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  29. ^ a b "Ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan left with 15% vision in right eye, court told". Al Jazeera. 2026-02-12. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  30. ^ "Pakistan's Imran Khan left with 15% vision in right eye while imprisoned". BBC. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  31. ^ Correspondent, Our (February 14, 2026). "Govt plans to shift Imran to Islamabad". The Express Tribune. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  32. ^ "Pakistan: Authorities Must Immediately Release Imran Khan From Arbitrary Detention". September 11, 2024.
  33. ^ "Imran Khan's detention violates international law, UN working group says". Al Jazeera.
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