Pakistan’s religious scholar Muhammad Ali Mirza, recently released on bail in a blasphemy case, revealed that former Prime Minister Imran Khan is “very frustrated” during his imprisonment at Adiala Jail. Mirza shared insights on Imran’s routine and conditions in jail, mentioning his access to news through newspapers and television. The disclosure has sparked discussions on the facilities provided to Imran at Adiala jail, as reported by The Express Tribune.
The former Prime Minister, according to Mirza, has been allotted six barracks at the jail, with five for personal use and one for his attendant. Mirza noted that Imran’s frustration is not uncommon for someone who has spent a significant time behind bars. The Lahore High Court’s Rawalpindi Bench recently granted bail to Mirza in a blasphemy case registered in Jhelum, requiring him to submit two surety bonds.
Following Mirza’s revelations, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party wrote to the Senate chairman, urging the formation of a parliamentary committee to investigate the alleged “solitary confinement” and rights violations of Imran and his wife, Bushra Bibi. The party expressed concerns over the treatment of the former Prime Minister and emphasized the senators’ constitutional duty to assess the conditions of imprisoned citizens. PTI nominated specific senators to form the committee, highlighting the importance of addressing the situation at Adiala Jail.
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on torture, Alice Jill Edwards, previously called on Pakistan to address concerns regarding the detention conditions of Imran Khan. The UN official emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent inhumane treatment, warning that the conditions could amount to torture or degrading treatment. The calls for scrutiny over Imran’s imprisonment continue amid growing international attention and concerns over human rights violations.
