Islamabad, March 27 (NationPress) Describing his father, Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), as a victim of arbitrary detention, Kasim Khan has voiced grave concerns during the current session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva. He emphasized that the treatment of his father by Pakistani authorities constitutes a violation of international human rights agreements.

At the UNHRC gathering, Kasim Khan asserted that the case of Imran Khan was not merely an isolated incident, but rather the most prominent manifestation of a broader trend of repression in Pakistan that has escalated since 2022. He highlighted the issues surrounding political prisoners, the trial and sentencing of civilians by military courts, and the targeting of journalists, who face silencing, abduction, or forced exile, as reported by Pakistan’s leading daily, Dawn.

Kasim Khan revealed that his father is being held in solitary confinement and reiterated allegations from PTI regarding the rigging of the February 2024 general elections in Pakistan. He stated that Pakistan had obligations under the GSP-plus framework to adhere to international human rights standards, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the United Nations Convention Against Torture.

He noted that Imran Khan has been denied family visits and essential medical care. Furthermore, he underscored that the military trials of civilians are in clear violation of treaty commitments, as reported by Dawn.

Kasim Khan expressed, "My brother and I are not involved in politics. We never wished to address platforms like this. However, my father's life compels us to act. We cannot remain passive as his health declines and he is separated from us. If roles were reversed, we trust he would not cease fighting until we were liberated. This is the least we can do for him."

He shared that he had spoken to his father on March 21, who asked him to relay a message. In this message, Imran Khan criticized the integrity of Pakistan's judiciary and its targeting of his wife.

Kasim Khan conveyed, "Yesterday, I spoke with my father, who instructed me to communicate the following: 'The judges in this country should feel shame. Time and again, we have approached the judiciary. Yet, they have sacrificed their integrity for personal gain. They are aware they cannot break me, so they retaliate against my wife. It is inhumane to treat women, children, and the elderly this way. Their motives are evident. Judges are accountable for justice in society and should be ashamed.'"

Imran Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023, serving a 14-year sentence at Adiala Jail related to a £190 million corruption case and is also facing multiple other charges. His wife, Bushra Bibi, is also serving a seven-year sentence in connection with the same corruption case.