The administration of Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail has officially dismissed widespread speculation regarding the status of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, firmly stating he has not been moved from the facility and remains in good health.
Jail Administration Issues Firm Denial
In a formal statement reported by Geo News, officials from the Rawalpindi prison categorically denied rumours about Khan's transfer. "There is no truth to reports about his transfer from Adiala jail," the officials declared. The statement also addressed concerns about his physical condition, confirming that the PTI founder is "fully healthy and receiving complete medical attention."
This clarification comes amid claims from his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which had alleged that Khan had been held in isolation for a period of six weeks and was denied all visits from his family members.
Contrasting Narratives and Family Incident
The situation outside the prison turned tense when Khan's three sisters – Noreen Niazi, Aleema Khan, and Dr Uzma Khan – were reportedly assaulted by police outside Adiala Jail. The incident occurred on Wednesday as they waited outside the facility, having been denied a meeting with their brother for a month. The ageing sisters have since demanded an impartial investigation into what they described as a sudden and unprovoked brutal police attack.
Meanwhile, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif presented a contrasting picture of Khan's incarceration. He asserted that the former prime minister was receiving comforts in prison that surpassed even five-star hotel amenities. "Check the menu of the food that comes for him — it is not available even in a five-star hotel," Asif stated, adding that Khan had access to television and exercise machines.
Legal Battles and Political Fallout
Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned since August 2023, faces a multitude of legal cases. These range from corruption to terrorism charges, all stemming from his ouster from power via a no-trust motion by the opposition in April 2022.
The PTI party had expressed serious concerns prior to the jail's statement. PTI spokesman Syed Zulfiqar Bukhari had emphasized that, "Under established legal and humanitarian norms, the family of any detainee has the right to know the detainee’s whereabouts and to meet them without delay." He had called for immediate and unhindered family access if any transfer had indeed occurred.
The jail administration has labelled all speculation regarding both his location and health as "baseless," reiterating their commitment to ensuring his well-being while in their custody.
