Accra: Jemima Goldsmith, the former wife of Pakistan’s ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan, has accused the government of preventing her children from communicating with their father. Khan, who has been in prison since August 2023, was previously removed from office through a parliamentary vote of confidence in April 2022. He faces charges including corruption and terrorism, but his supporters argue these are politically motivated to hinder his political comeback.

According to Deutsche Welle, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by Khan, is organizing nationwide protests starting on August 5 to demand his release. The movement raises questions about whether Khan’s sons will join the demonstrations. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudry downplayed their potential involvement, stating that they are not the government’s focus and are welcome as lawful visitors, but will face consequences if they break the law.

PTI party officials maintain that Khan’s children only seek their father’s freedom and have no political aspirations. Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari, an adviser to Khan, expressed support for their involvement in the protest movement, suggesting their presence has caused concern among authorities.

Political analyst Asma Shirazi believes Khan’s sons are unlikely to impact the protests significantly, citing internal challenges within PTI. Legal expert Osama Malik advises against their political participation, emphasizing adherence to visa conditions and the potential difficulty they may face in engaging with Pakistani citizens.

Despite Khan’s imprisonment, his PTI party plans a robust campaign to pressure the government and military for his release. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur announced a 90-day timeline for “a final push” to free Khan, although past protests have sometimes led to violence.

As protests approach, the government is forming a new paramilitary force, the Federal Constabulary, to handle internal security and counterterrorism. Opposition parties and human rights organizations express concerns over potential misuse of the force to suppress political and civil liberties.

The human rights situation in Pakistan has also drawn attention from the US Congress, with a senior lawmaker criticizing the government’s record on basic freedoms and fair elections. The call for Washington to prioritize democracy and human rights underscores the international dimension of Pakistan’s current political crisis.