The party of former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has requested permission to visit him in prison, citing concerns about his health

Pakistan’s jailed former prime minister Imran Khan’s party on Thursday demanded immediate access to him, citing serious concerns about his health after more than three weeks without contact from family or lawyers.

Imran has been behind bars since August 2023, serving a 14-year sentence on corruption charges—one of numerous cases he dismisses as politically motivated attempts by the military to sideline him, an allegation the army rejects.

PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari said no one has seen Imran since 4 November and that authorities have offered no explanation for blocking visits. Despite being a former prime minister, he is being denied both family access and medical care, Bukhari said.

“His health is our concern. We are alarmed by his unlawful isolation,” Bukhari told Reuters, urging the government to allow his family to see him without delay.

‘WHERE IS IMRAN KHAN?’

Imran’s family and PTI supporters have gathered outside Rawalpindi’s prison in recent days demanding a meeting. A party delegation tried to visit him again on Thursday, but was once more refused entry, according to Bukhari.

Under prison rules, Imran is entitled to at least one weekly visit, although authorities can suspend this. PTI says there have been several long stretches when he has been barred from meeting anyone.

Local media have reported that the 73-year-old former cricket star could be transferred to a higher-security facility, potentially making access even more difficult.

Public concern over his whereabouts has surged online, with #WHEREISIMRANKHAN trending on X on Thursday.

Pakistan’s interior ministry did not respond to Reuters’ request for comment.

‘IN GOOD HEALTH’, SAYS JAIL OFFICIAL

A prison official, speaking anonymously, told Reuters that Imran was in good health and that he was unaware of any plans to move him.

Imran, who became prime minister in 2018, was removed from office in 2022 after a falling-out with powerful military leaders, who have long wielded decisive influence over governments in the country of 240 million.

His arrest in May 2023 triggered nationwide protests against the military and a sweeping crackdown on his party.

PTI ended up as the largest party in the 2024 election but claims widespread rigging cost it additional seats, enabling rivals to form a coalition government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.