Focal Persons
RAWALPINDI: On Saturday, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan took a significant step by appointing three focal persons following an agreement with Adiala jail authorities. This agreement pertains to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for conducting meetings within the facility.
The signed document, endorsed by the former prime minister and the superintendent of Adiala jail, outlines the appointment of PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan, Sher Afzal Marwat, and Barrister Umair Niazi as focal persons designated by Imran Khan.
According to the agreed-upon SOPs, each focal person is tasked with providing two names weekly for meetings with the incarcerated PTI founder. These meetings, scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays, will allow Imran Khan to meet with family members and legal representatives.
Meetings are limited to a duration of 30 to 45 minutes, with a maximum of six visitors permitted per session. Additionally, the agreement aims to discourage the filing of individual petitions in courts, particularly referencing PTI’s previous legal efforts to facilitate meetings with Imran Khan.
This development follows discussions between both parties aimed at aligning with relevant court orders concerning meeting protocols within the jail premises.
Earlier this month, the Punjab government imposed restrictions on prisoner meetings inside Adiala jail due to security concerns, including Imran Khan, who has been incarcerated since September 26, 2023, serving a cumulative sentence of 31 years in multiple cases.
The move came after the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) arrested three terrorists with explosives and a map of Adiala Jail.
Despite criticism from PTI, Punjab’s Information Minister Azma Bukhari clarified that the measures were not intended to obstruct Imran Khan’s meetings but were prompted by a credible security threat.
This heightened security alert follows previous incidents, including the discovery of an explosive device near Adiala Road in Gorakhpur, Rawalpindi, in November 2023, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region.
As investigations into the arrested terrorists continue, authorities remain vigilant to ensure the safety and security of Adiala Jail and its surroundings.
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