Presidential Suite
Information Minister Ataullah Tarar has sharply criticized Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan for misleadingly claiming that he was imprisoned in a death cell.
According to Tarar, Khan’s actual confinement was in a “presidential suite” in Adiala jail, which is far better than the living conditions of a typical middle-class family.
During a press conference in Islamabad, Tarar accused Khan of deceiving the international community about his prison conditions.
“You are telling the West that you’re facing troubles and imprisoned in a death cell. This death cell is a ‘presidential suite’ in Adiala jail, which is better than a middle-class house,” Tarar stated.
Khan, through his lawyers, had previously told The Sunday Times that he was being held in a death cell, typically reserved for terrorists to ensure no contact with anyone.
The 71-year-old former cricketer-turned-politician has been in prison for nearly a year, facing charges in three cases: the Toshakhana case, the cipher case, and the un-Islamic marriage case. His wife, Bushra Bibi, is also imprisoned.
Although a court suspended Khan’s sentence in the Toshakhana case and overturned his convictions in the cipher and iddat cases, hopes for their release were dashed when the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) arrested them on new charges related to the sale of state gifts.
Despite Khan’s repeated claims of inadequate facilities, the government provided documentary evidence to the court showing the amenities he enjoys in Adiala jail, countering his assertions of solitary confinement.
Photos submitted revealed that Khan has access to several luxuries uncommon to ordinary prisoners, including an exercise bike, a stretching belt, books, a separate kitchen with a special menu, an exclusive gallery for walking, an LED TV, a room cooler, and a study table.
In his press conference, Tarar also criticized Khan’s past treatment of political opponents. He recalled how Shehbaz Sharif, despite a back injury, was mistreated during his imprisonment, and how Maryam Nawaz was confined to a small cell where she could barely spread a prayer mat.
Tarar also mentioned that Nawaz Sharif’s wife passed away while he was in prison and recounted harsh conditions faced by Rana Sanaullah, such as lighting fires outside his cell in extreme heat.
Tarar further mentioned that while Khan’s government had threatened to strip imprisoned Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders of basic amenities like air conditioning, television, and medical care, the current government does not wish to victimize its political adversaries. He added that authorities even accommodate Khan’s requests for special food, like “desi murghi.”
Addressing the recent attack on the Pakistani consulate in Frankfurt, Germany, Tarar informed that the Foreign Office has lodged a protest with German authorities, demanding enhanced security for the Pakistani mission and action against those responsible for the security lapse.
The National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) chairman is reviewing footage to determine if any Pakistani citizens were involved in the attack.
The incident, which involved Afghan nationals storming the consulate and attempting to burn the Pakistani flag, has raised significant international concern about diplomatic security.
Tarar warned that if any Pakistani is found involved, their ID card and passport would be blocked, and they would face severe consequences.
Regarding recent disruptions in internet services, Tarar clarified that these issues were not confined to Pakistan and also affected other countries, including the US.
He stated that any potential government firewall would be for cybersecurity purposes, not to restrict freedom of expression.
He emphasized the need to combat harmful content on social media, including hate speech, harassment, and child pornography, and noted that the interim government had banned certain platforms for non-compliance with national regulations.
I am a dynamic professional, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Management and Resolution, and International Relations. My expertise is particularly focused on South Asian Conflicts and the intricacies of the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific Politics. With my skills as a Content Writer, I serve as a bridge between academia and the public, translating complex global issues into accessible narratives. My passion for fostering understanding and cooperation on the national and international stage drives me to make meaningful contributions to peace and global discourse.
