On Tuesday, the Punjab government enforced a two-week prohibition on public visits, meetings, and interviews at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail, citing “security” concerns. This decision, criticized by PTI leaders, was perceived by them as a calculated attempt to obstruct their visits to party founder Imran Khan, who is currently detained at the facility.
In a letter addressed to the Punjab prisons chief, a copy of which has been obtained, the Punjab Home Department stated that the Internal Security Wing reported “various security threats” to Adiala Jail, as anti-state terrorist groups, backed by Pakistan’s adversaries, planned targeted attacks.
As a precautionary measure against these potential assaults, the department requested the prison chief to “temporarily halt public visits, meetings, and interviews within Adiala Jail for a two-week period.”
This decision was made following the successful thwarting of an alleged attack on the jail by the Rawalpindi Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and the police, resulting in the arrest of three terrorists.
In addition to Imran, prominent PTI leaders Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Parvez Elahi are also detained at Adiala Jail.
Other PTI leaders, who were denied a meeting with Imran due to the imposed ban, criticized the Punjab government. Barrister Salman Safdar expressed his frustration to Dawn.com, stating, “Today we attempted to meet, but unfortunately, it was not possible due to security restrictions.”
At a press conference in Islamabad, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan voiced his disapproval, saying, “A two-week blanket restriction has been imposed under the pretext of a terror threat. We vehemently denounce this widespread ban.” He further demanded, “Before imposing such measures, Imran’s family and legal representatives should have been informed.”
Referring to “two assassination attempts” on Imran, Gohar stated, “Suddenly confining him suggests that Khan’s life may be in peril.”
Outside Adiala jail, National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan addressed the media, sharing his experience of being “restricted from meeting Imran despite court orders.” He condemned the ban, saying, “This two-week restriction has been imposed, and the Punjab home secretary and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz should be ashamed of their actions.”
Furthermore, PTI MNA Ayub criticized Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and newly appointed Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, stating, “They should also feel ashamed for allowing such circumstances to unfold.”
The NA opposition leader, while mentioning the given reason as a “security threat,” strongly condemned the ban. During his third visit to the jail, he was once again denied a meeting with Imran, raising concerns for the former premier’s well-being.
Ayub also pointed out the timing of the ban, as Senate elections had been announced, requiring crucial discussions with Imran. He referred to the ban as “bogus” and emphasized that it was not in accordance with the law. Furthermore, Ayub shared his experience with the jail staff, stating that the assistant superintendent had fled when he called for clarification. He vowed that the PTI leaders would call the staff members to the National Assembly to address their concerns and actions regarding this issue.
The PTI Secretary General, echoing his previous sentiments, announced plans to involve the Police in the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) discussions. He further stated, “We will collaborate with our PAC partners in the Punjab Assembly to scrutinize the expenses of Adiala Jail and investigate the corruption involving its officers.”
According to Ayub, as per a court order, a fine of Rs25,000 would be imposed on the jail staff if they continued to deny PTI members access to Imran.
PTI spokesperson Raoof Hasan denounced the “blanket ban on meetings” with Imran, calling it a “criminal act that showcases the fear experienced by the unconstitutional and illegal Punjab government and their handlers.” He vowed to challenge this restriction in court, hoping for immediate relief and an instruction for the provincial government to refrain from employing such oppressive measures in the future. Hasan concluded by asserting, “Imran Khan cannot be dismissed by enforcing state fascism. The more aggressively the perpetrators attempt this, the stronger Khan becomes, as he rules the hearts.”
PTI MNA Sher Afzal Marwat highlighted that the former premier, Imran, faced a “ban on receiving visitors” during the beginning of the holy month of Ramazan in Adiala Jail.
On X, Marwat expressed his disapproval, stating that “expelling media personnel from Adiala Jail premises contradicts democratic principles.” He strongly denounced this “dictatorial move” and vowed to challenge this suppression. Marwat assured that the issue would be vigorously pursued across political platforms, including within the esteemed halls of Parliament.
