UK billionaire calls for Imran Khan release: ‘Detention casts dark shadow’

British billionaire Richard Branson has urged Pakistan’s authorities to release former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Imran Khan, who remains in prison. In a tweet, Branson said, “Imran Khan should be released immediately by Pakistan’s authorities. His arbitrary detention casts a dark shadow on respect for democracy and rule of law in Pakistan.”

Along with the tweet, Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, shared an old photo with Khan, where Khan is seen in a suit, sitting beside him. The tweet also highlighted a media report about concerns over Khan’s health. Imran Khan’s ex-wife, Jemima Goldsmith, and others have expressed worries after being denied access to visit him.

Jemima Goldsmith, who was married to Khan from 1995 to 2004, called for his release in a lengthy post on X. She accused the authorities of trying to silence political opposition in Pakistan and voiced her concerns about being barred from seeing Khan. Goldsmith also claimed this was part of a broader effort to silence PTI members.

She added that Khan has been held in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail for over a year, with several cases against him and some convictions. On October 7, the Punjab government banned all visits to Khan until October 18, citing security reasons.

Goldsmith also revealed that she had faced harassment, including rape threats, from political opponents in Pakistan over the years. She accused members of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), PTI’s rival party, of leading the attacks on her and attempting to suppress her voice.

In her post, Goldsmith explained that Pakistan’s authorities had also cut off Khan’s contact with his family, including phone calls to his sons, Sulaiman and Kasim, who live in London. She alleged that Khan is being held in solitary confinement, without electricity, and denied access to the outside world.

She emphasised the urgent need for Khan’s release, along with the release of his sisters and nephew, Hassan Niazi, who was arrested in August. Goldsmith called for Khan’s sons to regain contact with their father to ensure his well-being.

Goldsmith said this situation is not about politics but about her children’s father, his human rights, and international law. She also criticised the ban on social media in Pakistan and the imprisonment of civilians who have spoken out against the government.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Barrister Saif, Khan’s party adviser in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, also expressed concern over the restrictions, noting growing anxiety among PTI supporters.