“How Long Will You Stay Silent?” Jemima Goldsmith Challenges UK Over Imran Khan’s Treatment
ISLAMABAD, August 25, 2026: Jemima Goldsmith, former wife of Pakistan’s jailed former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, has questioned the British government over what she described as the continued denial of basic rights, family contact and adequate medical access to the former premier.
In a lengthy post on X, Jemima called on British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Foreign Secretary David Lammy to explain how long the UK government would remain silent over Khan’s treatment in prison.
She alleged that Khan has spent an extended period in solitary confinement and has been denied regular access to his family, lawyers, books and doctors.
According to Jemima, the circumstances surrounding Khan’s detention amount to treatment that could have serious consequences for his physical and mental wellbeing. She also referred to the United Nations’ Nelson Mandela Rules, which establish international standards for the treatment of prisoners and place strict limits on prolonged solitary confinement.
Jemima further cited recent Supreme Court directions concerning Khan’s medical care and family contact. She claimed that the court had ordered comprehensive medical facilities, access to his personal physician, regular meetings with family members and telephone contact with his sons.
Khan was recently taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad for medical examinations before being returned to Adiala Jail. His family and PTI lawyers objected to the move, arguing that the Supreme Court had directed that he be examined at Shifa International Hospital.
Jemima said the issue could no longer be viewed merely as a domestic political dispute and should instead be considered a serious human rights concern.
She highlighted Khan’s longstanding connections with Britain, noting his education at Oxford University and his career in English county cricket. She also referred to his philanthropic work in Pakistan, including the establishment of a cancer hospital and a university.
Jemima said her two sons with Khan, Sulaiman and Qasim, are British citizens and have been unable to meet their father. She alleged that they had faced difficulties obtaining visas and that warnings of arrest had also been issued by Pakistani officials.
She said she had repeatedly urged the British government to intervene, but claimed that behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts had failed to produce meaningful results.
Jemima called on the UK Foreign Office to publicly urge Pakistan to implement the Supreme Court’s orders concerning Khan’s medical treatment and access to his family.
Meanwhile, the Pakistani government has rejected allegations that Khan was denied appropriate medical care. Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has said the authorities acted in accordance with the Constitution, law and court directions.
Tarar also accused PTI of politicizing Khan’s health and engaging in what he described as misleading propaganda. The government maintains that the court’s directions were followed and that PTI supporters violated restrictions concerning gatherings and slogans outside the hospital.
The dispute over Khan’s medical treatment and prison conditions continues to draw political and international attention, with his family and PTI demanding greater access while the government insists that the law and judicial directions have been followed.
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Jemima Goldsmith