The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has sent notices to the interior secretary, the secretary of law, the Punjab Home Department, and the superintendent of Adiala Jail following a petition regarding the removal of certain prison amenities from the detained former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The court, led by Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, requested responses on Tuesday.
Noreen Niazi filed the petition, and Advocate Shoaib Shaheen represented her. She asserted that the withdrawal of B-class facilities from the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) breaches his entitlements. The petition highlights that Imran Khan has been denied access to newspapers, television, and exercise, and even the electricity in his cell has been cut. Additionally, it states that he cannot contact his children by phone.
Advocate Shaheen argued that these rights were revoked unlawfully and violated existing court orders, noting that imprisonment restricts freedom but should not deny fundamental human rights.
The court allowed Shaheen to submit additional court orders concerning Khan’s prison conditions through a miscellaneous application. It also directed both parties to designate an authorized officer to present the relevant records and responses in court.
Separately, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur expressed concerns over Khan’s treatment in prison and warned of potential repercussions if conditions do not improve. According to Gandapur, Khan’s sisters reported that he was receiving inadequate meals and insufficient exercise.
Adiala Jail officials refute the PTI’s claims about Khan’s treatment. They maintain that he has all the amenities he needs, including consistent electricity, nutritious meals, and regular exercise. The jail officials emphasized that a professional cook prepares various meals suited to Khan’s preferences, ensuring his well-being.
