California, Richard Grenell, former US Ambassador and special envoy for President Donald Trump, met with the sons of imprisoned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan on Tuesday and reiterated his call for Khan’s release, denouncing his arrest as a case of “political prosecution.”
Grenell shared a photo on social media with Sulaiman Isa Khan and Kasim Khan, the two sons of the former Pakistani Prime Minister, expressing solidarity and support.
“Welcome to California, my friends. I loved hanging out with you today. Sulaiman and @Kasim_Khan_1999, you must stay strong. There are millions of people around the world who are sick of political prosecutions. You are not alone,” Grenell wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The meeting and Grenell’s remarks come amid mounting global concern over Imran Khan’s prolonged imprisonment and reported conditions in Adiala Jail, where he has been held since August 2023. PTI leaders and human rights advocates continue to raise alarm over what they describe as political victimization and judicial overreach.
Grenell, who has been a vocal supporter of Khan, previously drew comparisons between the legal challenges faced by Imran Khan and former US President Donald Trump.
“We had a much better relationship with Pakistan during the Trump administration, when Imran Khan was the leader. He wasn’t a typical politician — a former cricket captain who spoke with common sense. He and Donald Trump shared a strong rapport.”
“I’d like to see Imran Khan released from jail. He’s facing many of the same politically motivated charges that Trump is facing — orchestrated by the ruling party through false allegations,” he added.
PTI Alleges Harsh Prison Conditions
Meanwhile, the PTI has continued to highlight what it calls inhumane prison conditions for the 71-year-old leader. At a press conference, PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqqas Akram alleged that Khan is being kept in a “death cell” with no access to books, newspapers, or television, and has been stripped of even the basic rights granted to ordinary inmates.
“Despite being a former prime minister, Khan is being denied both the dignity of his status and basic prisoner rights. The entire nation is concerned for his well-being,” Akram said.
He further warned that the ongoing political and judicial pressure, along with the deteriorating human rights situation, was driving Pakistan toward a “constitutional and humanitarian crisis”(Agencies).
