The Adiala jail authorities have refuted claims made by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) regarding the alleged ill-treatment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, revealing details of the meals and conditions provided to him in prison. These claims surfaced after PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan, following a visit to the incarcerated party leader, shared concerns about Khan’s treatment.
Gohar reported that Imran Khan mentioned for the first time the poor conditions of his cell, citing a five-day suspension of electricity, a lack of access to newspapers and TV for two weeks, and limited time outside his cell—only two and a half hours per day. Gohar condemned the treatment, emphasizing that it violated the former prime minister’s legal rights, and criticized his solitary confinement in a small cell. Khan was reportedly unaware of his sisters’ arrests, expressing sorrow over the incident but reaffirming that his family was willing to make sacrifices for the nation’s struggle.
Read more: Why Oxford University excluded Imran Khan from chancellor elections
Gohar added that their meeting lasted only 45 minutes, contrary to their expectations of more time, but assured the public that Imran Khan was in good health. They planned another visit the following Monday.
In response to these allegations, the Adiala jail administration issued a statement clarifying that Imran Khan was receiving all the facilities he was entitled to under B-Class jail rules. They described a well-balanced menu, prepared by a professional cook, which included items such as coffee, chia seeds, beetroot juice, yogurt, chapati, and dates for breakfast; traditional curry, local chicken, and mutton for lunch; and porridge, coconut, and grapes for dinner. The authorities stated that Khan’s meals were tailored to his preferences and were prepared under strict supervision.
Read more: Palestinian students reach Pakistan to pursue medical education
They also addressed his health, noting that Imran Khan was examined three times daily by an in-house doctor, with additional check-ups by Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) doctors, who confirmed that he was healthy and active. Moreover, they stated that Khan had access to daily newspapers and two hours of exercise each day. The jail authorities denied claims of isolation and mistreatment, insisting that the conditions met all legal requirements.
Meanwhile, PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram criticized the prison authorities for not allowing lawyer Salman Akram Raja to meet Khan, though other party members were permitted.
Gohar also relayed that Imran Khan expressed optimism and vowed to continue his fight for the supremacy of the Constitution, even if it meant spending many more years in jail. He also encouraged ongoing discussions with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman regarding constitutional amendments. However, prison sources painted a different picture of the meeting, suggesting that Khan scolded his party leaders for failing to follow his protest plans and criticized their lack of action in securing his release