UK billionaire Richard Branson comments on Imran Khan's imprisonment

Virgin Group CEO says former premier's incarceration casts 'dark shadow' on democracy and rule of law in Pakistan

British billionaire Richard Branson and Virgin Group CEO has publicly called for the immediate release of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has been in prison for over a year.

In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Branson criticised Imran’s detention, stating that it "undermines democracy" and the "rule of law in Pakistan".

"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," Branson tweeted.

He also shared an old photograph with Imran, alongside concerns about his health while in custody.

Imran’s ex-wife, Jemima Goldsmith, has also expressed deep concern over his imprisonment, alleging that authorities are attempting to silence political opposition.

In a recent post, Jemima criticised the restrictions on Imran’s contact with his family and highlighted the broader crackdown on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members.

Jemima, who was married to Imran from 1995 to 2004, revealed that she had been denied access to visit him in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail, where Imran is being held in solitary confinement.

She also raised concerns about the impact on their sons, Sulaiman and Kasim, who live in London and have been unable to speak to their father.

She accused political opponents of leading harassment campaigns against her and called for the release of Imran’s family members, including his nephew Hassan Niazi, who was arrested in August.