ISLAMABAD – The sons of Pakistan’s former prime minister, Imran Khan, are calling on U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump and international influencers to intervene for their father’s release, claiming he is being unfairly imprisoned on politically motivated charges.
In an interview with citizen journalist and entrepreneur Mario Nawfal, Kasim and Sulaiman Khan made their appeal. They described deteriorating conditions in Khan’s prison cell, alleging a lack of basic facilities and what they termed “trumped-up charges.” Their appeal is directed at the broader international community, but especially the Trump camp, urging them to support democratic values and free speech by advocating for their father’s release.
“Anyone who takes a closer look can see the injustice,” Sulaiman said. “We appeal to any global power that stands for democracy—particularly someone as influential as Donald Trump—to help us in securing our father’s freedom.”
Imran Khan, once a cricket superstar turned political leader, has now been behind bars for nearly two years. He maintains that the charges against him were fabricated after his removal from office in April 2022. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has staged repeated demonstrations, claiming that the 2024 general elections were manipulated and that its members are being systematically targeted.
Pakistani authorities reject these accusations. They accuse Khan and PTI of instigating violent unrest—pointing to the May 9, 2023 attacks on military installations and a November 2024 protest that resulted in the deaths of four security personnel. However, PTI denies any involvement in the violence, arguing that the military and the state are the ones abusing civil rights. Both the government and military reject these allegations.
Relations between Khan and Pakistan’s powerful military soured sharply in recent years, even though many believed the generals had once supported his rise. The military denies the PTI’s assertion that it is actively collaborating with opposing parties to politically marginalise Khan.
Efforts to reduce political tensions stalled earlier this year. In late 2024, PTI entered talks with the government, hoping to form judicial commissions to investigate protest crackdowns. By January, the party withdrew from negotiations, accusing the government of dragging its feet. Officials denied these claims, saying PTI pulled out without allowing a full response.
Speaking in the interview, Kasim Khan emphasized that their campaign is not about politics, but about restoring justice and safeguarding democracy in Pakistan.”We want everyone to see what’s going on. It’s about basic rights and freedom,” he said.
Sulaiman added that Pakistan’s politics is dominated by dynasties—something their father has long opposed. “He aimed to provide genuine change and end that cycle. He’s suffering the price because of this.”
As the Islamabad High Court prepares to hear a new petition for Khan’s temporary release on parole—filed by PTI’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister—his sons continue to seek international backing. They believe greater global attention could shift the narrative.
“We need voices of influence to speak up,” said Sulaiman. “It’s been too quiet lately, and we’re ready to talk to anyone who wants to help.”
