Daily Times

Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued notices to the interior secretary, secretary of law, Punjab Home Department, and the superintendent of Adiala Jail in response to a petition against the withdrawal of prison facilities from incarcerated former premier Imran Khan.

The court on Tuesday sought their replies on the matter.

Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir of the IHC heard a petition filed by Noreen Niazi.

Advocate Shoaib Shaheen represented the petitioner in court, stating that the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has had his B-class facilities withdrawn from prison, which he is entitled to.

The petition claims that access to newspapers, television, and exercise has been revoked for the PTI founder, and the electricity in his cell has also been cut off.

Additionally, he is not being allowed to speak with his children over the phone.

Shoaib Shaheen stated that all these facilities were unlawfully revoked without any reason, which also violates court orders.

He emphasised that a prison sentence means a restriction on personal freedom, but it does not equate to a denial of fundamental human rights.

The court permitted the petitioner’s lawyer to bring relevant court orders regarding the PTI founder’s prison facilities onto the record, stating that they could do so through a miscellaneous application.

The court also instructed both parties to appoint an authorised officer to appear in court with the relevant record and written response.

Yesterday, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur issued a warning to the federal government regarding the treatment of Imran Khan in prison.

In a video statement released on Monday, Ali Amin Gandapur mentioned that he was informed by Khan’s sisters about the former prime minister’s poor conditions, including inadequate meals and lack of exercise.

Ali Amin Gandapur stated, “I am warning the federal government that if Imran Khan is not treated well, everyone should be prepared for a reaction.”

He emphasised that if Imran’s rights are not respected and he continues to be denied proper meals, a swift response will follow.

Previously, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan expressed concerns about Imran Khan’s prison conditions, stating that there had been no electricity in his cell for five days and that he had been denied access to TV and newspapers for two weeks, leaving him uninformed about constitutional amendments.

In response, Adiala Jail authorities addressed allegations from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders regarding Khan’s treatment, asserting that he is receiving all the amenities entitled to him under B-Class jail rules.

In an official statement, they confirmed that Imran is provided with uninterrupted electricity, proper meals, and regular exercise opportunities.

The jail authorities detailed Imran’s diet, stating that a professional cook prepares his meals, which include a variety of options tailored to his preferences.