Kasim Khan, son of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, addressed the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. He raised grave concerns regarding alleged human rights violations in Pakistan, specifically highlighting the “inhumane” detention of his father, who has been imprisoned since August 2023.
Kasim called for the immediate release of the former premier and other political prisoners, describing the current situation as a “pattern of repression.” While the Pakistani government, represented by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, dismissed the move as an attempt to malign the country’s international trade status, Kasim maintained that his appeal was a desperate plea for his father’s deteriorating health and legal rights.
A Plea For Justice On The Global Stage
During the UNHRC session, Kasim Khan delivered a poignant testimony, stating that his father is being held in a “cell built for death row inmates” and subjected to arbitrary solitary confinement. He pointed out that the restrictions on family visits and the denial of adequate medical care specifically for a recurring eye ailment violate Pakistan’s binding commitments under international human rights conventions.
“My brother and I are not political people,” Kasim noted, adding, “But my father’s life demands that we take action.” He further detailed a broader crackdown on dissent in Pakistan, mentioning the abduction of journalists and the trial of civilians in military courts as evidence of a systemic erosion of democratic values.
The Economic and Political Fallout
The timing of this appeal is particularly sensitive as Pakistan recently secured a seat on the UNHRC for the 2026–2028 term and is currently under scrutiny regarding its GSP+ (Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus) status with the European Union.
This status, which provides duty-free access to EU markets, is contingent upon the country adhering to 27 international treaties on human rights and governance. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif criticised the move, suggesting that the Khan family was lobbying for the revocation of these trade privileges.
However, Kasim clarified on social media that he supports the GSP+ status for the sake of the Pakistani people but urged the “regime” to fulfil its side of the agreement by respecting the rule of law.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that the strength of a democracy is measured by how it treats its political opposition and the transparency of its judicial processes. While legal battles must take their course, the allegations of solitary confinement and the denial of basic medical necessities to any prisoner regardless of their stature are deeply concerning and run contrary to the principles of empathy and human dignity.
We advocate for a Pakistan where political differences are settled through dialogue and fair elections rather than through the silencing of voices or the weaponisation of the legal system. Sustainable progress can only be achieved in an environment where human rights are upheld as sacred, ensuring harmony and justice for all citizens.
Today, I had the honour of speaking to the 47 countries that comprise the @UN #HumanRightsCouncil urging the immediate release of my father @imrankhanpti and all #Pakistan’s #politicalprisoners. Along with this, I want to be very clear. Like my father, I fully support maintaining… pic.twitter.com/hj7kFPSECq
— Kasim Khan (@Kasim_Khan_1999) March 25, 2026
