In compliance with Islamabad High Court (IHC) orders, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawyers met with party founder Imran Khan, who denounced the newly enacted 26th Constitutional Amendment, granting parliament the power to appoint the Chief Justice, as an “assault on the Constitution.”
Following the meeting, PTI lawyer Faisal Chaudhry informed journalists that the imprisoned former prime minister expressed strong disapproval of the amendment.
“The PTI founder believes this act has inflicted tyranny on the nation,” Chaudhry remarked, noting that Khan refrained from commenting on Justice Yahya Afridi’s appointment as the new Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP).
Chaudhry added that Khan praised PTI supporters and workers for their resilience and sacrifices, emphasizing that the former premier remains undeterred in the face of adversity. Efforts are underway to alleviate the hardships Khan is enduring.
The lawyer further claimed that Khan is being held in a confined six-by-eight-foot cell and is subjected to psychological pressure. He announced that an application would be filed with the IHC challenging the conditions under which the former prime minister is being detained.
Imran Khan has also instructed PTI leadership to lead by example, showing strength and unity.
PTI leader Shoaib Shaheen commented on the situation, describing the state’s treatment of the jailed party leader as “unprecedented state terrorism.” Shaheen added that Khan was unaware of both the passage of the 26th Amendment and the appointment of Justice Yahya Afridi. Khan was also updated about his wife, Bushra Bibi, securing bail, to which he expressed relief.
The meeting took place after the IHC directed Adiala Jail authorities to allow the legal team access to the imprisoned leader, following the court’s earlier order to present Khan before the court for a contempt hearing against the Adiala Jail superintendent.
Khan has been imprisoned at Adiala Jail for over a year due to his involvement in multiple legal cases after being ousted from power in April 2022. Despite favorable rulings in several cases, Khan remains in custody, particularly in connection with the Toshakhana case, which involves the alleged illegal sale of state gifts.
Both Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were arrested shortly after their acquittal in the “un-Islamic Nikah” case (also known as the Iddat case) in July 2023.
