In Rawalpindi, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan designated three individuals as focal points following the signing of a protocol with Adiala jail officials regarding the standard operating procedures for conducting meetings within the prison.
According to the provided document, which features the signatures of both the former prime minister and the Adiala Jail superintendent, Khan has designated PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan, Sher Afzal Marwat, and Barrister Umair Niazi as his key representatives.
As per the established guidelines, every designated individual should suggest two potential meeting times for the imprisoned party founder to interact with family members and legal representatives on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Following a mutual agreement, the parties involved will now conduct meetings within the jail premises, in accordance with the court’s directive. Moreover, meeting durations will range from 30 to 45 minutes, and the maximum number of attendees per session is set at six individuals.
The agreement states, “The ‘practice of individual petitions in the courts will be discouraged,'” seemingly addressing PTI’s efforts to approach courts regarding the matter of meeting with the imprisoned party founder.
This month, the Punjab government prohibited meetings within the prison for inmates, including the PTI founder who has been incarcerated since September 26, 2023, serving a combined 31-year sentence across multiple cases. This decision was made due to security concerns.
Although facing significant backlash from the party, according to Punjab’s Information Minister Azma Bukhari, these actions were not intended to obstruct Khan’s gatherings. Instead, they were initiated in response to a “serious threat alert.”
Following the apprehension of three terrorists by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), a jail map of Adiala, along with a hand grenade and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), were seized from their possession. As a result, certain restrictions were imposed.
As stated by Rawalpindi City Police Officer Khalid Hamdani, the police have found automatic firearms and ammunition belonging to the terrorists. CPO Hamdani also mentioned that these terrorists originated from Afghanistan, and their ongoing investigation is being carried out diligently.
On November 7, 2023, authorities discovered a suspicious bag containing an explosive device near Adiala Road in Gorakhpur, Rawalpindi, which is only 1 kilometer away from the Adiala jail.
