Imran Khan’s Detention Sparks Debate in UK House of Lords
The debate over Imran Khan’s detention and health issues has ignited in the United Kingdom’s House of Lords. Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been imprisoned since August 2023 at Adiala Jail for a £190 million corruption case.
Baroness Alexander of Cleveden initiated the debate, citing concerns over Imran’s health and detention conditions. She also mentioned pending trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act related to May 9, 2023 protests.
The former prime minister’s sons have not seen him since November 2022 following an assassination attempt. They applied for visas in January but received no response.
Imran was allowed to telephone his sons from Adiala Jail on Eid day, speaking for around 25-30 minutes about health and the festive occasion. His sons inquired about his wellbeing during the call.
Jemima Goldsmith, ex-wife of Imran, appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for her sons’ visit to their father. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar responded that the sons do not require visas but Jemima claimed the government was refusing visas, aiming to deprive them of British protection in case of arrest upon arrival in Pakistan.