Incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan has submitted a petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking better facilities at Adiala Jail in accordance with the Pakistan Prison Rules, 1978.
Filed through counsels Chaudhry Zaheer Abbas and Muhammad Usman Riaz Gill, the petition argues that Adiala Jail authorities, particularly the superintendent, have repeatedly violated past IHC orders directing the provision of facilities to Khan. It states that despite these directives and a Punjab government notification, jail officials have not ensured facilities for Khan in accordance with his social and political standing.
According to the petition, Khan is routinely denied visits by his family and lawyers; does not have access to electronic and print media; has not been allowed to communicate with his sons in London; and is restricted from accessing personal medical care and clothing. It further alleges that the electricity in Khan’s cell is “deliberately” cut off and he is kept in solitary confinement to pressure him politically.
In his plea, Khan says he represented Pakistan as an international cricketer, philanthropist and the country’s 22nd prime minister and as such denying him his lawful entitlements is unconstitutional and a violation of human dignity and natural justice. The petition has urged the IHC to appoint a gazetted officer to oversee the implementation of better facilities for him and submit weekly reports to ensure transparency and accountability.
The filing of the petition follows several statements from Khan’s sister, Aleema, who had alleged her brother was being kept isolated. Earlier this month, she claimed his sons, Qasim and Suleiman, would soon return to Pakistan to participate in protests for his release. Also this month, Khan directed workers and leaders of his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to mount a protest movement for his release, stressing that it should “peak” on Aug. 5, the second anniversary of his incarceration.