I'm being caged like a terrorist: Jailed ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently in jail, said he was being caged like a terrorist. In an interview with The Times, Khan- the chairperson of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf- said on Sunday (Jul 21), "I am confined in a 7ft by 8ft death cell, typically reserved for terrorists to ensure they have no contact with anyone."

“It is solitary confinement with barely any space to move. I am under constant surveillance by the agencies, being recorded 24/7, and I am denied basic prisoner and human rights such as visitation,” he added.

The Times reported that the interview was conducted via Khan’s lawyers because he is not allowed pencil and paper.

Imran jailed for almost a year

Khan, the cricketer turned politician, has been behind bars for nearly a year now. He remains in jail for three charges- corruption for allegedly selling state gifts; treason for leaking state documents; and illegal and un-Islamic marriage.

Khan's wife Bushra Bibi also remains behind bars.

Also read | Pakistan govt to ban PTI, initiate treason proceedings against former PM Imran Khan

Earlier this month, the United Nations (UN) said that Khan's detention was arbitrary and in violation of international law. In a statement, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention said, "appropriate remedy would be to release Mr Khan immediately and accord him an enforceable right to compensation and other reparations, in accordance with international law."

The group also said that the 71-year-old former PM's legal woes were part of a "much larger campaign of repression" against him and the PTI.

It said that in the lead-up to the 2024 elections, members of Khan's party were arrested and tortured and their rallies were disrupted. It also alleged "widespread fraud on election day, stealing dozens of parliamentary seats."

Khan on govt threatening to ban PTI

Last week, Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that the government would ban PTI permanently. "We believe that there is credible evidence that PTI should be banned," Tarar said, citing allegations against Khan including leaking state secrets and inciting riots.

Tarar said if Pakistan were to move in a forward direction, it could not do so with PTI's existence. 

Reacting to the minister's remarks, Khan told The Times, “These games are being played to break me and my party, but by the grace of the Almighty, nothing has or will succeed.”

(With inputs from agencies)