Authorities of Adiala Jail this weekend rebutted claims of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) regarding “mistreatment” of incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan, releasing details of his daily menu to support their stance.
On Saturday, five leaders of the PTI met Khan at Adiala Jail after nearly two weeks, as the Punjab government had restricted meetings of prisoners due to security concerns. Following a 45-minute meeting, PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan told media that the party founder had told them his cell had no electricity for five days and he had no access to any newspaper or TV news since the beginning of October. He also claimed he was only permitted outside his cell for two-and-a-half hours daily.
Condemning the “ill-treatment,” Gohar had demanded authorities ensure the rights of the former prime minister and maintained that keeping Khan in a small “death” cell was a violation of his constitutional and legal rights. He had alleged that due to the lack of access to any TV or newspaper, Khan was unaware his sisters were under arrest, adding the former prime minister had vowed his family was ready to render any sacrifice for the sake of the people’s struggle. Khan, Gohar had said, was otherwise in good health and had no complaints.
Following the press conference, authorities of the Adiala Jail issued a statement rejecting Gohar’s claims. They maintained Khan had all the amenities he was entitled to under B-Class jail rules. “Imran Khan has been given all facilities, including uninterrupted electricity, proper meals and the opportunity to exercise regularly,” they said, adding a “professional” cook prepared all his meals as per a menu determined by him.
“Khan’s breakfast consists of coffee, chia seeds, beetroot juice, yoghurt, chapati, biscuits and dates,” it claimed. “For lunch, he is served traditional curry, (organic) chicken, chapati, salad, green tea, and mutton. Dinner includes porridge, coconut, coconut juice and grapes, all prepared under the supervision of an assistant superintendent,” it added.
“His food is prepared according to his choices and under strict supervision,” it emphasized, claiming the former prime minister was examined thrice daily by an in-house doctor, whose findings were confirmed by a team of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) that had confirmed he was well.
The Adiala Jail statement also maintained that Khan had access to newspapers daily and was permitted two hours daily for exercise. It rejected the PTI’s allegations of Khan’s “isolation,” adding the PTI founder had complete security.