Islamabad: Jemima Goldsmith, the former wife of Pakistan's ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan, has accused the Pakistani government of obstructing her children from communicating with their father. The 72-year-old cricketer-turned-politician Khan has been behind bars since August 2023, following his ouster as prime minister in April 2022 through a parliamentary vote of confidence. Khan faces multiple charges, including corruption and terrorism, which his supporters argue are politically motivated to prevent his return to power. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by Khan, plans to initiate nationwide rallies starting August 5, 2023, to demand his release.
According to Deutsche Welle, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudry downplayed the significance of Khan's sons potentially joining the protests, emphasizing that they are not a focal point for the government. The minister stated that the former prime minister’s children are welcome to visit Pakistan as lawful visitors but warned that any illegal actions would be dealt with appropriately. The PTI party maintains that Khan's children only wish to see their father released from jail and have no political aspirations in Pakistan.
Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari, adviser to Imran Khan on international affairs and media, noted that the arrival of Khan's sons in Pakistan to join the peaceful protest movement has caused anxiety within certain quarters, leading to rumors about their potential arrests. PTI welcomes their decision to join the protest movement, he stated.
Asma Shirazi, a political analyst, expressed skepticism about Khan's sons coming to Pakistan for the protests, citing internal disputes and conflicting agendas within the PTI party. She believes their participation would not secure Khan's release but would instead serve as a symbolic gesture to galvanize public support.
Legal expert Osama Malik advised against hindering Khan's sons from meeting their father while cautioning them to avoid engaging in political activities, as it would contravene their visa conditions. Malik underscored the challenges they might face in influencing the movement due to their limited understanding of Pakistan and connection with its citizens.
Despite Khan's imprisonment, he retains substantial support across Pakistan, with his PTI gearing up for a major protest campaign to pressure the government and military to release him. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur announced a new 90-day timeline for a "final push" to free Khan during a recent press conference.
In response to potential unrest, the government plans to establish a new national paramilitary force, transforming an existing unit along the northwestern border into the Federal Constabulary, tasked with internal security, riot control, and counterterrorism. Opposition parties and human rights organizations have raised concerns that this force could suppress political and civil liberties.
The human rights situation in Pakistan has also drawn attention in the US Congress, with a senior lawmaker criticizing the government's record, particularly regarding freedom of speech, media freedom, and fair elections. The lawmaker urged Washington to reinforce its commitment to democracy and human rights in Pakistan.