The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has demanded immediate access to former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, raising alarm over his condition after more than three weeks without any contact with family or legal representatives.

Khan, 73, has been incarcerated since August 2023, serving a 14-year sentence on corruption charges. He and his party claim the charges were politically motivated to exclude him from politics, a charge the Pakistani military denies.

“No one has seen Imran Khan since November 4,” said PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari. “His health is our concern. We are worried about his illegal isolation.” He added that prison authorities have not provided a reason for the extended denial of visits.

Bukhari told Reuters that despite Khan’s status as a former prime minister, he is being denied both visits and medical support. A PTI delegation attempted to meet Khan in Rawalpindi jail on Thursday but was again denied access.

According to prison rules, Khan is entitled to meet outsiders at least once a week, though authorities are permitted to suspend access. PTI alleges that these suspensions have become frequent and arbitrary.

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Family, lawyers barred from visits for over three weeks

Khan’s family and PTI supporters have staged protests outside the prison in recent days, demanding that the government restore access.

Local media reports suggest that authorities may move Khan to a high-security facility to further restrict his visibility and access. These developments have fueled growing concern online, where the hashtag #WHEREISIMRANKHAN trended on social media Thursday.

Imran Khan’s imprisonment sparks public protests

Khan was elected prime minister in 2018 but was ousted in 2022 following a parliamentary vote after his relationship with the military deteriorated. His arrest in May 2023 triggered nationwide protests, many of which targeted military institutions, leading to a broad crackdown on PTI.

Despite the silence from authorities, a jail official speaking anonymously told Reuters that Imran Khan's health was “fine” and said there were no immediate plans to relocate him to another prison.

The Interior Ministry has not responded to requests for comment.

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Political tensions persist between PTI, Sharif government

PTI emerged as the largest party in the 2024 general elections but accused the current Pakistan Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif government of rigging results to form a coalition majority. Sharif and his allies have rejected these claims.

Khan’s ongoing imprisonment and reported isolation have become focal points in Pakistan’s political crisis, with PTI pushing for transparency and access.

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