The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday voiced concerns over the treatment of its founder, Imran Khan, in Adiala jail, accusing authorities of treating him like a terrorist in an alleged attempt to break his resolve.
Access to Imran Khan continues to be denied! We all must raise our voice against this human rights abuse. This Martial Law may restrict his political party & legal team from meeting him but Khan Saab’s voice will then continue to be published in International media. What all do…
— Sayed Z Bukhari (@sayedzbukhari) March 3, 2025
During a press conference in Peshawar, PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram criticized officials for refusing to allow meetings with the imprisoned former prime minister, despite court rulings permitting them. Imran, who was ousted via a no-confidence motion in April 2022, has been in jail since August 2023, facing multiple charges, including corruption and terrorism.
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The PTI has repeatedly accused the government of violating jail regulations by restricting access to Imran and subjecting him to unfair treatment. Waqas claimed that only one meeting had been allowed in the past six months, despite legal provisions stating otherwise. He further alleged that Imran had been denied visits from his children and lawyers, with no justification provided by authorities.
“The court orders are being ignored, and no explanation is given… the system in this country is paralyzed,” Waqas remarked. He also emphasized the need for regular medical check-ups for Imran, insisting that PTI’s chosen doctors should be involved.
Despite these challenges, Waqas asserted that Imran’s determination remained unshaken. “A prisoner has rights, and those rights should be upheld,” he stated.
Regarding Imran’s health, the spokesperson reassured supporters that he was fine, dismissing what he called false propaganda aimed at provoking PTI workers.
Meanwhile, The News reported that the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had summoned the Adiala jail superintendent for a contempt of court hearing on March 4 for failing to allow Imran to meet his wife, Bushra Bibi, as per a previous court order.
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During the proceedings, the IHC questioned the jail superintendent’s failure to implement its ruling and instructed him to appear in person. Acting Chief Justice Sardar Sarfaraz Dogar issued a written order, stating that preventing Imran from meeting Bushra Bibi violated the court’s January 28 decision.
Imran had filed a petition through his lawyer, Faisal Chaudhry, challenging the authorities’ refusal to grant the requested visitation despite clear court directives.