LAHORE: In Punjab jails, prisoners are demanding equitable treatment to that of Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former prime minister, who is presently detained in Adiala jail.
In a letter addressed to the Punjab advocate general, the Inspector General (IG) of prisons highlighted the prisoners’ request for similar privileges as Imran Khan, such as having up to six meetings with their lawyers daily.
Expressing their dissatisfaction with the preferential treatment accorded to the former prime minister, inmates argue that such disparity violates the Prison Rules 1978.
The prisoners are advocating for fair treatment and facilities, mirroring those extended to PTI founder Imran Khan, former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, and other political detainees, to be evaluated and extended to all prisoners.
Earlier, during a hearing at the Lahore High Court (LHC), the Punjab advocate general informed that seven cells had been allocated for Imran Khan’s use in Adiala Jail, with 14 security personnel assigned to safeguard him.
In addition to his designated cell, six additional cells were arranged to ensure his security. Contrary to the usual deployment of one personnel per ten inmates, 14 police personnel were assigned to Imran Khan’s security in Adiala Jail.
The report further disclosed that special arrangements were made for Khan’s meals, prepared in a separate kitchen, with extra CCTV cameras installed at a cost of Rs500,000. The monthly expense for Khan’s security in jail is reported to be PKR 1.2 million.
It is important to note that Imran Khan, the PTI founder and former prime minister, has been detained since August last year on multiple charges.
