There is undeniable recognition that Imran Khan stands as one of the most renowned figures, not only within Pakistan but also across the global landscape. Subsequent to his arrest and confinement, people’s curiosity about any news related to him has surged. However, scant details have emerged regarding Imran Khan’s conditions and treatment behind bars, save for information shared by an anonymous police officer.
The reason behind the denial of Imran Khan’s lawyers to meet him has now become clearer. It has surfaced that the initial plan was to imprison him in Adiala Prison, where better facilities for inmates are available. However, an unexpected turn of events led to his transfer to Attock Prison.
Prime Minister Imran Khan, held in Attock Prison
While official sources have stated that former Prime Minister Imran Khan, held in Attock Prison on corruption charges, is being provided with B-Class Facilities by the Punjab Department of Prisons, his legal team and associates claim that he has been denied access to meet with PTI Chairman, resulting in health issues.
An inside source reported that those planning the transfer did not inform the prison authorities about the change in plan. The authorities were under the impression that Imran Khan would be taken to Adiala Prison. The realization of the shift to Attock Prison occurred only when they brought PTI Chairman there.
Naeem Haider Panjotha, an assistant to the PTI chairman, revealed that Attock Prison has become off-limits for Imran Khan’s legal team and locals.
The authorities thwarted the legal team’s attempts to reach out to Imran Khan for providing essential items, clothing, and obtaining signatures. Instead, the authorities asked them to return with a power of attorney.
A member of Imran Khan’s legal team expressed that various legal documents, including court orders and challenges, require Imran Khan’s signature, emphasizing the necessity to meet him.
PTI Spokesman Rauf Hassan conveyed that despite their efforts, the prison administration denied the legal team access to Imran Khan.
Core Committee Meeting of PTI
During a core committee meeting of PTI, Vice Chairman Shah Mahmoud Qureshi raised concerns about Imran Khan’s safety in Attock Prison. The committee made demands for his immediate release.
Questions have arisen about the decision to detain Imran Khan in Attock rather than Adiala Prison and the denial of access to his legal team. Questioned the circumstances of his arrest by Punjab police, as opposed to Islamabad police.
Raise concerns about the legitimacy of Imran Khan’s medical examination and the sharing of medical reports with his legal team and associates.
In a video statement, PTI’s King Mahmoud Qureshi claimed that the facilities in Attock Prison do not measure up to B-Class standards. He further asserted that Imran Khan was confined to a small cell.
Federal Prime Minister Nazir Tarar
Federal Prime Minister Nazir Tarar acknowledged Imran Khan’s right to appeal while stating that his sentence in the Tosha House reference aligns with the law.
A senior prison official, mentioning that the Pakistan Presence Rules 1978, which categorize prisoners into different classes, granted facilities to Imran Khan, presented contrasting opinions.
The official enumerated the amenities provided to Imran Khan, including B-Class books, newspapers, a table, a chair, a 21-inch television, and bathroom facilities. Additionally, prisoners were allowed lamps in case of power outages.
Upon his arrival at the prison, Imran Khan was reportedly in good health and allowed weekly visits from family and lawyers, subject to the prison superintendent’s approval for additional privileges.
An unnamed prison official disclosed the existence of a special cell for Imran Khan, which lacks air conditioning but features a fan, bed, and washroom.
Attock Prison and Attock Castle, located approximately 20 km apart, have distinct histories. Imran Khan became the first former prime minister to experience confinement in Attock Prison, while authorities held Nawaz Sharif in Attock Castle in 1999 before his subsequent exile.
The centrally located Attock Prison, holding historical significance within the city, differs from Attock Castle, which the Mughals established on the bank of the Sindh River.
Various prominent political figures, including Shahbaz Sharif, Sahizada Hussain Nawaz, Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan, and Farooq Sattar, have also experienced confinement in Attock Prison.
Earlier this year, the same prison held PTI leader Shah Mahmoud Karishi, subjecting him to a similar fate.
