Rumours end: Imran Khan’s sister visits him in jail, says he is held in solitary confinement

LAHORE: Speculation about the death of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has been put to rest. His sister, Dr Uzma Khanum, was allowed to meet him at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. After the meeting, she said Imran is physically fine but remains under severe mental stress due to solitary confinement.

Uzma, who arrived at the jail along with PTI workers, was allowed inside only after waiting for several hours. This is the first time a family member has been permitted to meet Imran since October 27. Rumours about Imran’s death had spread after his family was repeatedly denied permission to meet him, prompting massive protests by PTI supporters. Following the growing unrest, the government finally allowed the visit.

Earlier, another sister of Imran Khan, Aleema Khanum, had filed a contempt petition in the Islamabad High Court, alleging that prison authorities were not allowing family members or lawyers to visit him.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has left the country. Reports say he left to avoid signing the order appointing Field Marshal Asim Munir as the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). Munir was supposed to take charge on November 29. Shehbaz has been abroad since November 26. According to former Indian National Security Advisory Board member Tilak Devasher, Shehbaz travelled to Bahrain and then to London. The visit is officially said to be for diplomatic discussions and to see his brother, former PM Nawaz Sharif, who is undergoing treatment.

Last month, Pakistan’s Parliament passed the bill appointing Munir as the CDF. As the top military commander overseeing the army, navy, and air force, Munir will receive a lifetime tenure and immunity from prosecution. Critics allege that this move is part of an attempt to weaken democratic and judicial systems and strengthen military control in the country.