Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has written a detailed letter to Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi. In his letter dated September 16, Imran outlined grievances over jail conditions, political victimisation, and delayed hearings of critical petitions. The letter urged the top judge to restore judicial independence and ensure justice for all.
Harsh Jail Conditions
Imran Khan began his letter by highlighting the conditions of his imprisonment. He revealed that he had endured solitary confinement for more than 772 days inside a small cell measuring only 9 x 11 feet. According to him, access to books, newspapers, and communication with his family and lawyers had been deliberately restricted.
He alleged that meetings with his family and legal team were often cancelled arbitrarily. Furthermore, he claimed his sons were not allowed phone calls, and party workers were denied permission to visit him. Describing his incarceration as unlawful, he termed it psychological torture designed to break his will.
Treatment of Bushra Bibi
The PTI founder also expressed concerns about the treatment of his wife, Bushra Bibi. He alleged that she was being denied necessary medical treatment, as well as access to books and television. Citing judicial precedents, he reminded the chief justice that women prisoners are entitled to bail as a matter of right. However, in Bushra Bibi’s case, this principle had allegedly been disregarded.
Political Victimisation and Supporters in Custody
Imran further wrote that thousands of his supporters and party members were imprisoned. He alleged they were abducted, beaten, and subjected to military trials, which he said violated constitutional protections. He also criticized what he described as systematic victimisation of his family members.
According to him, the courts, which should act as guardians of liberty, were being weaponised to dismantle PTI, Pakistan’s largest political party.
Electoral Mandate and Constitutional Concerns
The former premier insisted that PTI had won a landslide victory in the general elections despite suppression and his imprisonment. However, he alleged that the people’s mandate was stolen overnight, turning democracy into a farce. He referred to the yet-unreleased Commonwealth Observer Group report, which he claimed exposed widespread irregularities in the elections.
He also criticized the 26th Constitutional Amendment, calling it a tool to legitimise what he described as “electoral dacoity.” He said that petitions challenging this amendment were still pending in court, awaiting hearings.
Criticism of Islamabad High Court
Imran Khan also raised concerns about the Islamabad High Court (IHC) under Chief Justice Sarfaraz Dogar. He alleged that the IHC had failed to fix important cases such as the Al-Qadir Trust petitions and the Toshakhana revision petitions. He accused Justice Dogar of abandoning impartiality and facilitating what he described as a campaign of political persecution.
Demands in the Letter
Towards the conclusion of his letter, Imran requested CJP Afridi to take urgent action. His demands included immediate hearings of pending petitions, permission to speak with his sons as per jail regulations, and access to medical treatment for Bushra Bibi.
He stressed the importance of restoring judicial independence, arguing that justice, dignity, and equality before law were his constitutional rights.
Appeal to the Chief Justice
Concluding the letter, Imran urged the chief justice to honor his oath and safeguard the nation’s democratic future. He emphasized that the courage of judicial verdicts would shape Pakistan’s destiny and reaffirm the Supreme Court as the final refuge for justice.
Imran Khan’s letter represents a direct appeal to Pakistan’s judiciary at a critical moment. His complaints cover harsh jail conditions, treatment of his wife, political victimisation, and ignored petitions. The former premier urged CJP Afridi to take swift action to ensure fairness, protect constitutional principles, and uphold the rule of law.
