Pakistan’s World Cup-winning skipper and former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, has called out the ‘inhumane’ treatment inflicted upon his wife and himself in a series of accusations.
Multiple political commentators in Pakistan and around the world have taken note of the severe health challenges faced by Imran, who has a massive popularity. In his own words to his son, Kasim, Imran alleged that he was being blackmailed by the authorities.
As per a report in The Independent, Imran and his son Kasim spoke briefly in a conversation recently during Eid.
Imran was quoted in the report: “The judges in this country should be ashamed of themselves. Time and again, we have approached the judiciary, but they have sold their souls for personal gain. They know they cannot break me, so they turn to my wife. How can they allow this inhumane treatment of Bushra Bibi, simply to blackmail me?”
Khan claimed his wife, Bushra Bibi, is being held in complete isolation. “She is kept in total seclusion, permitted only 30 minutes with me per week, and even that is often denied,” he alleged.
Imran Khan lost 85 per cent vision in his right eye, claims supporters
Supporters of Imran Khan have cited his loss of 85 per cent vision in his right eye and restricted access to family and personal physicians as reasons for urgent intervention.
Earlier in February, Pakistan’s legendary pacer duo of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis led calls for the former Pakistan captain to be allowed for urgent medical support in prison, following reports of severe vision loss in his right eye, according to ESPNcricinfo.
Also, fourteen former international cricket captains from five Test-playing nations have appealed to the Pakistan government to ensure better prison treatment and medical care for Imran. A petition by Greg Chappell included the names of Sunil Gavaskar, Allan Border, Steve Waugh, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, and Kim Hughes from Australia; England’s Mike Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Mike Brearley, and David Gower; West Indies’ Clive Lloyd; and New Zealand’s John Wright.
His son, Sulaiman, described the harsh conditions: “He’s in a very small cell, which has been described as a ‘death cell’ because this is where they’ve held people who are on death row. Sometimes the electricity is cut off. Sometimes he won’t be allowed reading materials.”
Imran Khan, along with his wife Bushra Bibi, has been incarcerated since August 2023, following his ouster from political leadership in Pakistan. His latest corruption convictions have resulted in a cumulative jail term of 31 years.
with inputs from agency
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