ISLAMABAD – Days of swirling rumours about Imran Khan’s health and mounting anger among his supporters finally pushed the government to relent and allow his sister, Uzma Khanum, a brief visit inside Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail.

Khanum emerged from the meeting on December 2 saying her brother was physically fine but visibly distressed by what she described as relentless mental pressure. She told reporters that the former prime minister remains confined to his cell for almost the entire day, with minimal time outdoors and virtually no communication with anyone. The meeting, she said, lasted only twenty minutes.

The authorities’ sudden change of heart came after days of refusals that fueled speculation about Khan’s condition and that he was dead. It ignited restlessness across Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf ranks. Party workers, already agitated by online chatter suggesting the former prime minister was unwell or secretly moved, had been preparing massive demonstrations in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Senior police officials were reportedly concerned that even a small spark could trigger large-scale unrest.

Fearing the situation could spiral, the government tightened security by imposing Section 144 in both cities but ultimately allowed Khan’s sister to visit, hoping to defuse tensions. Protests had already begun outside the Islamabad High Court and the Adiala jail, demanding transparency and regular access for Khan’s family.

The visit also followed a fresh denial from jail authorities, who last week dismissed claims that Khan had been transferred or was in danger. Officials insisted he remained inside Adiala jail, in stable condition, with medical care available. Rumours, they said, were “baseless” and politically motivated.

Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023 in multiple cases. His party continues to accuse the authorities of isolating him to break his morale and restrict political communication.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan expressed serious concern over what it called harsh and restrictive detention conditions, as well as the alleged limits on family visits. The Commission urged the government to ensure that the fundamental rights of prisoners, including access to relatives, are fully upheld.

Despite the brief reassurance provided by his sister’s visit, questions about Imran Khan’s isolation and treatment continue to fuel anxiety among his supporters, keeping the political atmosphere on edge. (IANS)