Khan’s sons accuse army chief of personal vendetta

Imran Khan’s two surviving sons, Kasim (27) and Sulaiman (29), have publicly alleged that Pakistan’s powerful army chief, General Asim Munir, is pursuing a personal vendetta against their father, the former prime minister now serving a 14‑year term for corruption. In an exclusive interview with The Guardian, the brothers said they fear their father is being “slowly killed” by the harsh conditions of his confinement at Adiala jail in Rawalpindi. Their accusations come as international human‑rights organisations intensify scrutiny of Khan’s health and the transparency of his trial..

The brothers, who have long kept a low profile, said the grievances stem from a series of “unexplained” restrictions placed on their father since his arrest in May 2023. “He is denied proper medical care, his visits are limited, and his diet is controlled in a way that is detrimental to his health,” Kasim told the newspaper. Sulaiman added that the family receives “constant threats” whenever they raise concerns with the authorities, a pattern they attribute directly to the army’s top brass..

Legal experts say the claims, if substantiated, could trigger a constitutional crisis. The Pakistani constitution places the armed forces under civilian control, yet the military has historically wielded considerable influence over politics. Professor Ayesha Qureshi of the Lahore School of Law warned that “publicly accusing the army chief of a vendetta is unprecedented and could either force a reckoning or provoke a crackdown on dissent.” She noted that any formal inquiry would likely have to pass through the Supreme Court, which has already been asked to review Khan’s detention conditions..

Human‑rights groups have echoed the brothers’ concerns. Amnesty International released a statement last week urging the Pakistani government to “ensure that Imran Khan receives immediate, unobstructed access to independent medical assessment.” The organization added that the allegations of deliberate neglect could amount to a violation of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, commonly known as the Nelson Mandela Rules. The army, for its part, has dismissed the accusations as “baseless political propaganda.” In a brief press briefing, General Munir’s spokesperson, Brigadier Ahmed Raza, said the armed forces remain “committed to upholding the rule of law and the welfare of all detainees, irrespective of their political background.” Raza also reminded journalists that the military does not interfere with judicial proceedings and that any claims of personal vendetta are “purely speculative.” Inside the prison walls, conditions have reportedly deteriorated since Khan’s incarceration..

Former inmates and guards, speaking on condition of anonymity, described cramped cells, limited ventilation, and a lack of regular health check‑ups. A prison official, who asked not to be named, confirmed that Khan’s request for a specialist cardiology consultation was “still pending,” despite his known history of heart disease. Such details have fuelled speculation that the state is using health neglect as an indirect weapon..

Khan’s political allies have seized upon the brothers’ statements to rally support. The Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI) party, which Khan founded, organised a nationwide “Justice for Imran” march last weekend, drawing tens of thousands of supporters in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. PTI leader Shahzadi Khan, the former prime minister’s sister, declared that “the army’s attempt to break our family will only strengthen the people’s resolve to demand a free and fair legal process.” The rally was punctuated by chants calling for the army chief’s resignation..

In response, the government has warned that any attempts to “incite unrest” will be met with “strict legal action.” A senior ministry official told reporters that “the rule of law must not be undermined by political theatrics,” and hinted that charges could be brought against those who spread “unverified” allegations about the military. This warning has heightened fears among activists that the state may use anti‑terrorism legislation to silence dissent. The international community is watching closely..

The United States State Department issued a diplomatic note in early August urging Pakistan to “respect due process and ensure humane treatment of all prisoners, including former prime minister Imran Khan.” The European Union’s delegation in Islamabad also called for “transparent medical assessments” and warned that any deterioration in Khan’s health could affect bilateral relations. Meanwhile, the brothers have appealed directly to the United Nations. In a letter submitted to the UN Human Rights Council, Kasim and Sulaiman requested an independent investigation into Khan’s medical condition and the alleged interference of the army chief..

The letter cites several incidents, including the denial of a previously scheduled dialysis session and the removal of a personal aide who was allowed to bring home‑cooked meals. They argue that these acts constitute “deliberate deprivation of essential care.” Political analysts caution that the saga could reshape Pakistan’s civil‑military balance. “If the army’s actions are proven to be politically motivated, it could erode its long‑standing legitimacy among the public,” says Dr..

Farooq Ahmed, a senior fellow at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad. “Conversely, a heavy‑handed response could galvanise the opposition and push the military further into the political arena, which would be destabilising for the already fragile democratic institutions.” The legal battle appears far from over. Khan’s defence team filed a petition last month seeking an emergency hearing on his health, which the Islamabad High Court rejected, citing “procedural delays.”.