ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Wednesday offered to shift PTI founder Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to his Banigala residence if the party submits a written application.
Speaking on Asma Shirazi’s talk show on Hum News, Mr Chaudhry said the Banigala house could be declared a sub-jail. He added that PTI leaders and family members would then be allowed to meet Khan daily.
Later, in a conversation with Dawn, the minister said Adiala Jail houses around 8,000 inmates who are also affected by Khan’s political activities.
“We are ready to shift him if PTI applies. At Banigala, their leaders can meet him and play Ludo day and night,” he remarked.
Mr Chaudhry clarified that Khan could not be released but could be relocated by official approval.
“The PTI should submit a written request to shift Imran Khan from Adiala to Banigala, and we will act accordingly,” he stated.
PTI’s Response
Responding to the offer, PTI leader and former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser said the party could consider it if the government proved its seriousness.
“I believe the government might backtrack, but if it’s serious, we’ll discuss the proposal with our legal team and Imran Khan himself,” he told Dawn.
Qaiser added that Imran Khan, jailed for over two years, was legally entitled to bail.
“If the government is sincere, it should stop pressuring the judiciary and let the courts decide freely,” he said.
He also urged the government to allow PTI leaders and family members to meet Khan in jail as a goodwill gesture.
Background
In January 2024, Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, surrendered before an accountability court after receiving a 14-year sentence in the Toshakhana case.
She was later shifted to Banigala, which was declared a sub-jail.
However, Bushra Bibi later alleged she was being poisoned there and approached the Islamabad High Court. In May 2024, the court ordered her transfer back to Adiala Jail.
