PTI Chief Gohar Khan Claims Electricity to Imran Khan’s Cell Was Cut for Five Days
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Gohar Khan has alleged that electricity supply to Imran Khan’s cell was suspended for five days. This statement follows claims of ill-treatment toward the former prime minister, who has been incarcerated at Adiala Jail for over a year.
During a press conference in Islamabad, Gohar discussed the conditions Imran has faced, noting it was the first time Imran had spoken about his prison situation during their recent meeting. He reported that Imran had been without a newspaper or TV for the past two weeks and was allowed only two and a half hours outside his cell each day.
Condemning these conditions, Gohar emphasized the need for authorities to ensure Imran’s rights and provide him with the facilities entitled to him while in “solitary confinement.” He called the confinement to a small cell a serious violation of his constitutional rights. Gohar also expressed concern that Imran was unaware of the arrests of his sisters but affirmed that Imran and his family would continue to sacrifice for the people’s struggle, urging the nation to remain peaceful.
Despite expectations for a longer meeting, Gohar mentioned they were only allotted 45 minutes but reassured that Imran was doing well. He stated they would attempt to meet him again on Monday.
In response to these claims, Adiala Jail authorities issued a statement asserting that Imran was provided with all amenities as per B-Class jail regulations. They insisted that he received uninterrupted electricity, proper meals, and the opportunity to exercise regularly.
The statement detailed Imran’s meals, which included a variety of dishes prepared by a professional cook, such as coffee, chia seeds, and local chicken, with dinner offerings including porridge and coconut juice. The authorities dismissed PTI’s allegations of mistreatment as baseless.
Regarding Imran’s health, the authorities confirmed he was examined three times daily by an in-house doctor, and recent tests indicated he was in good health. They also stated he had access to daily newspapers and was allowed two hours of exercise each day.
Separately, PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram criticized the prison administration for denying lawyer Salman Akram Raja access to Imran, despite allowing other party leaders to meet him.
Gohar mentioned that Imran had requested meetings with four key party leaders and expressed optimism about the ongoing struggle for constitutional supremacy. Imran reportedly stated he would endure even a century in jail if necessary for the rule of law in Pakistan.
While Gohar indicated Imran was supportive of constitutional amendment discussions, sources from the prison reported a different narrative. According to them, Imran expressed frustration with PTI leaders for not effectively executing the protest plans he had outlined for his release, urging them to follow his strategy more diligently.
