A petition has raised concerns that certain facilities previously available to jailed PTI leader Imran Khan, including access to media, exercise, and phone calls with his children, have been withdrawn.
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued notices to key officials including the interior secretary, secretary of law, Punjab Home Department, and the superintendent of Adiala Jail, following a petition against the withdrawal of jail facilities from the former prime minister, Imran Khan.
Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir presided over the hearing on Tuesday, where he requested responses from the officials involved.
The petition, filed by Noreen Niazi and represented by Advocate Shoaib Shaheen, claims that Imran Khan’s B-class facilities were removed despite his entitlement to them. It asserts that his access to newspapers, television, exercise, and even electricity in his cell has been cut off. Furthermore, it states he is no longer permitted phone contact with his children.
Shoaib Shaheen argued that these actions violate court orders and represent an unlawful revocation of basic rights, asserting that while imprisonment restricts freedom, it does not mean a denial of fundamental human rights.
The court allowed the petitioner’s lawyer to submit any relevant court orders pertaining to Imran Khan’s jail facilities and requested both parties to appoint an authorized officer to present records and a written response.
Meanwhile, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur issued a public warning to the federal government regarding the alleged conditions of Imran Khan’s detention. In a video statement on Monday, Gandapur mentioned that Khan’s sisters reported inadequate meals and lack of exercise as part of the issues he is facing in jail. Gandapur warned that if Khan’s conditions do not improve, there would be a strong reaction.
Adiala Jail Refutes PTI Claims
Earlier, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan voiced concerns about Khan’s jail conditions, noting that he had been without electricity in his cell for five days and was denied TV and newspaper access for two weeks, limiting his knowledge of recent constitutional developments.
However, Adiala Jail authorities countered the claims made by PTI leaders, stating that Imran Khan is receiving all the B-class amenities to which he is entitled. They affirmed that he has access to electricity, balanced meals prepared by a professional cook, and regular exercise.
