Imran Khan's Sons to Lead Lahore Protest as Their Father's Detention Sparks Political Tensions in Pakistan

Politics

Imran Khan's Sons to Lead Lahore Protest as Their Father's Detention Sparks Political Tensions in Pakistan

Published On Thu, 17 Jul 2025

Sanchita Patel

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The political landscape in Pakistan has long been dominated by the Sharifs and the Bhuttos, but come August 5, a new chapter may unfold with the rise of Imran Khan's two sons. Suleman Isa Khan (29) and Kasim Khan (26), who have largely kept their distance from politics while residing in London, are expected to spearhead a major protest rally in Lahore, calling for the release of their father. Imran Khan, who has been incarcerated in Adiala jail for over two years following his conviction in multiple cases, is at the heart of this growing political movement.

Why Now?

The timing of this protest is particularly significant, as it coincides with growing speculation about a potential coup, especially with the increasing influence of Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. Despite Imran Khan's tenure as Prime Minister, his sons have largely remained out of the political spotlight. However, these desperate times have prompted a shift in their stance.

A major catalyst for their involvement has been a recent post from Imran Khan’s ex-wife, Jemima Goldsmith. She accused the Shehbaz Sharif-led government of blocking any communication between the former Prime Minister and his sons. "My children are not allowed to speak on the phone to their father... Pakistan's government has now said if they go there to try to see him, they too will be arrested and put behind bars," she tweeted.

This post has renewed concerns about Imran Khan's detention conditions and spurred his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters into action. Human rights organizations have also raised alarms over his prolonged solitary confinement. Last year, Imran Khan described his confinement in a rare interview from behind bars, likening it to being caged like a "terrorist" in a "death cell," unable to meet anyone.

A Father’s Sacrifice

Imran Khan's sons have only recently started speaking out about his imprisonment, using social media and interviews to draw attention to his situation. From London, they have called on the international community to put pressure on the Pakistani government to free their father. Kasim Khan, in a recent post, highlighted that his father has been in prison for more than 700 days.

"Our father lived in Pakistan – away from us – for most of our lives. Not because he had to, but because he chose to stand up against a corrupt regime," Kasim wrote. "While he wasn’t there every day as a father, Pakistan had him as a leader. He gave his country everything: hospitals, universities, and a movement for justice." Kasim went on to mention that his father could have chosen to live in comfort in England but chose to stay in prison for the sake of Pakistan and its people. He also claimed that Imran Khan had been denied access to his lawyers and even his personal doctor. The sons have also filed a petition in New Zealand urging their government to push Pakistan for Imran Khan’s release and are planning to raise concerns about human rights violations in the US.

Government's Response

The Sharif government is clearly uneasy about the protest call, and it has already started preparing for possible unrest. To handle internal security and potential riots, the government has formed a new paramilitary force called the Federal Constabulary. Rana Sanaullah, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s political affairs advisor, warned that any violent movements from the rally would result in consequences. "Why won't they (Imran Khan's sons) be arrested? If they come to lead a violent movement, the consequences will follow," he said.

Symbolic or Political Move?

Although Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, has confirmed that his sons do plan to visit Pakistan despite threats of arrest, their participation may be symbolic rather than a serious political move. Even though their presence will undoubtedly energize PTI supporters, especially after the government crackdown, there has been no indication that they plan to enter politics. As British citizens, they would need to renounce their citizenship if they intended to run for office in Pakistan.

The brothers have stayed out of the public eye for most of their lives, occasionally appearing with their father at cricket events. However, their involvement in the upcoming rally in Lahore will bring them into a new political spotlight.

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