Son of Imran Khan Urges UN Action Over Detention and Denial of Family Contact

Author: Aamnah Fatima Khan

March 26, 2026

HRRC strongly condemns the reported denial of fair treatment, medical care and family access in the detention of Imran Khan, calling it a violation of fundamental human rights. HRRC urges authorities to ensure compliance with international human rights standards, including the immediate restoration of due process, humane conditions and the right of family visitation.

Kasim Khan recent address at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) [Image credit: Pakistan Today]

At the United Nations Human Rights Council, Kasim Khan, son of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, urged international intervention regarding his father’s imprisonment, alleging multiple violations of fundamental human rights. Addressing the UN Council’s 61st session, he called on Pakistani authorities to comply with UN recommendations and release his father who has been detained since August 2023.

Kasim’s speech included concerns regarding prolonged solitary confinement, restricted communication and denial of proper medical care, describing these as violations of international conventions under frameworks such as Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+). He further emphasized that he and his brother have been unable to meet their father, alleging that their visa applications have been deliberately delayed or blocked, effectively denying them family access. He termed this a form of “collective punishment”.

According to Kasim, the case reflects a broader pattern of repression, including the detention of political figures, curbs on journalists and the use of military courts for civilians. He also questioned the fairness of the 2024 elections, calling them “rigged”.

Pakistani Defense Minister Attaullah Tarar and other officials rejected these claims, accusing the opposition party of Imran Khan of damaging the country’s international image and insisting that Imran Khan’s sons are free to visit using Pakistani documentation.

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Glossary 

• Alleging – Claiming something is true without yet providing proof.

• Authorities – Official organizations or people in power responsible for enforcing laws or rules.

• Collective punishment – Penalizing a group of people for the actions of an individual or a few members.

• Compliance – Acting according to rules, laws, or requests.

• Conventions – Formal agreements or treaties between countries.

• Curbs – Restrictions or limitations placed on something.

• Detention – The act of keeping someone in custody, especially by legal authorities.

• Due process – Fair legal procedures that must be followed before punishing someone.

• Framework – A structured system or set of rules guiding something.

• Imprisonment – The state of being confined in prison.

• Intervention – Involvement by an external party to influence a situation.

• Prolonged – Continuing for a long time.

• Repression – The act of controlling people by force or limiting their freedom.

• Restricted – Limited or controlled access to something.

• Solitary confinement – Keeping a prisoner isolated from others.

• Sovereignty – The authority of a state to govern itself without outside interference.

• Underscores – Highlights or emphasizes something important.

• Violation – The act of breaking a law, rule, or agreement.

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References 

1. https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/south-asia/imran-khan-pakistan-son-kasim-khan-health-un-b2946070.html 

2. https://www.dawn.com/news/1985280

3. https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2026/03/26/tarar-slams-pti-over-un-speech-calls-it-attack-on-national-dignity   

4. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2599259/kasim-urges-unhrc-intervention-to-end-imrans-persecution-detention-immediately 

5. https://trade.ec.europa.eu/access-to-markets/en/content/generalised-scheme-preferences-plus-gsp