Three years ago today, Imran Khan entered Adiala Jail. Three years after his imprisonment began, former Prime Minister and chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Imran Khan remains one of Pakistan’s most closely watched political figures. Since entering Adiala Jail on August 5, 2023, he has faced numerous legal cases, multiple convictions, appeals, and ongoing court proceedings that have kept him behind bars. Alongside his legal battles, concerns raised by his wife, sisters, lawyers, Party leaders and international rights organisations have kept his detention in the national and international spotlight.
The Cases That Kept Him Inside
Imran Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan’s former prime minister, has now completed three years in prison.He was first jailed after being convicted in the Toshakhana case in August 2023. Since then, dozens of criminal cases have been filed against him, ranging from corruption allegations to charges related to state secrets and the events following the May 9, 2023 protests.While several convictions have later been suspended, overturned, or sent back for appeal, Khan remains incarcerated because multiple cases are still active or have resulted in other prison sentences.
The Major Legal Cases Against Imran Khan
Toshakhana Cases
The Toshakhana cases remain among the most significant legal challenges facing Imran Khan. The first case involved allegations that he unlawfully retained and sold state gifts received during his tenure as prime minister.In December 2025, a Pakistani court sentenced both Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to 17 years in prison each in another Toshakhana-related corruption case involving luxury state gifts. Their legal team rejected the verdict and continues to challenge it in higher courts.
Al-Qadir Trust Case
Another major case involves the Al-Qadir Trust. Pakistan’s accountability authorities allege that Khan and others received illegal benefits involving land connected to the trust. Khan has consistently denied wrongdoing, maintaining that the allegations are politically motivated. The case remains one of the principal reasons for his continued imprisonment.
Cypher (State Secrets) Case
In early 2024, Khan was convicted in the Cypher case over allegations that he improperly handled classified diplomatic communications.However, later court rulings overturned that conviction, removing one of the major sentences against him. Despite this legal victory, it did not lead to his release because of the other pending convictions and cases.
May 9 and Other Criminal Cases
Imran Khan also faces several cases linked to the nationwide unrest that followed his arrest in May 2023.Authorities accuse him and PTI leaders of encouraging violence and attacks on military installations. Khan has denied these allegations, insisting that his party advocates peaceful political activity.
(iddat) Case
a case alleging his marriage to Bushra Bibi violated Islamic waiting-period (iddat) requirements — a case that also implicated her directly. Through 2024 and into 2025, Khan and his legal team secured a mix of outcomes
some convictions were overturned or suspended on appeal, only for prosecutors to press ahead on others, or for fresh cases to surface. As of early 2026, several matters remained under appeal in the Islamabad High Court and Supreme Court, with PTI’s legal team arguing the cases amounted to selective, politically motivated prosecution a charge the government and judiciary have consistently rejected
Debate Over Prison Conditions
Khan’s legal team and PTI have also repeatedly raised concerns about restricted access — limits on family and lawyer visits at various points, and periods where his meetings were reportedly monitored or curtailed. The jail administration and government have denied any mistreatment.
Khan, his lawyers and family members have alleged that he has experienced periods of solitary confinement, restricted legal access, and limitations on family visits. His legal team has also raised concerns regarding his health.
Pakistani authorities have rejected allegations of mistreatment, maintaining that Khan is receiving facilities consistent with prison regulations for a former prime minister and that his legal rights are being respected.
International organisations, including Amnesty International, have called on Pakistani authorities to ensure his constitutional rights, adequate legal access and humane detention conditions.
Imran Khan Sisters: The Family Carrying the Fight
With Khan unable to speak publicly in the way he once did, three women have become central to keeping his case in the public eye: his sisters, Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan, and Noreen Khan.
Khan’s sisters have taken a more visible role in protest. Aleema Khan, in particular, has repeatedly attempted to travel to or gather outside Adiala Jail demanding access to her brother, and has spoken to domestic and international media about his condition, describing periods of isolation and raising health concerns, claims that jail authorities have pushed back on. The sisters have functioned as PTI’s informal spokespeople on Khan’s welfare specifically, distinct from the party’s political leadership (such as PTI chairman-in-waiting figures and parliamentary leaders), who have focused more on legal strategy and party organisation.
What Happens Next
As Imran Khan enters his fourth year in prison, his legal future depends largely on appeals before Pakistan’s higher courts. Imran Khan remains at the centre of Pakistan’s legal and political landscape. Although some convictions have been overturned or suspended, multiple corruption and criminal cases continue to keep the former prime minister behind bars.
