The administration of Adiala Jail has dismissed recent reports claiming that former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s prison facilities have been reduced, according to ARY News.
The superintendent of Central Jail Rawalpindi confirmed on Friday that Khan continues to receive all the entitlements outlined in the jail manual. Imran Khan is provided with two helpers during the day, and is allowed to meet with family, lawyers, and hold political meetings twice a week, the superintendent said.
Khan also has access to a separate kitchen for himself and his wife, Bushra Bibi, as well as a television in his cell. Additionally, he has the facility to participate in meetings during case hearings and receives a daily English newspaper. For physical exercise, Khan has a designated walking area and an exercise machine.
In recent developments, security agencies have increased their investigation into the jail staff, arresting at least six members, including three women, on suspicion of assisting Khan. The detained staff include a sweeper, two female wardens, and three personnel responsible for monitoring CCTV. Officials have confiscated mobile phones from these employees, who are accused of exchanging messages between Bushra Bibi and Khan.
Former Adiala Jail Deputy Superintendent Zafar Iqbal, who was detained on August 13 for alleged involvement in aiding Khan, has recently been released. Khan, who served as Pakistan’s Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022, has been imprisoned in Adiala Jail since August 2023 on multiple charges, including the Toshakhana case, the cypher case, and the unlawful marriage case.
Despite recent legal developments, including the suspension of Khan’s sentence in the Toshakhana case and overturned convictions in the cypher and iddat cases, the likelihood of his release appears to have diminished following his arrest in connection with the May 9, 2023, riots.
Imran Khan, born on October 5, 1952, in Lahore, Pakistan, is a prominent Pakistani politician and former cricketer. Before entering politics, Khan achieved international fame as the captain of the Pakistan national cricket team, leading them to victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup. His successful sports career transitioned into a focus on philanthropy, with the establishment of the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, named after his mother.
In 1996, Khan founded the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, advocating for anti-corruption and progressive reforms. His political journey saw various challenges until he became the 22nd Prime Minister of Pakistan in August 2018, leading a coalition government. His tenure focused on economic reforms, anti-corruption efforts, and foreign policy adjustments. Khan’s political career has been marked by both significant support and controversy, including legal and political challenges during his time in office and beyond.