ISLAMABAD:
The federal government on Thursday warned that anyone engaging in political talks after meeting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in Adiala Jail would lose their visiting rights, saying long-standing prison rules leave no room for such conduct.
Addressing a joint press conference with Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said reports had confirmed that Imran Khan’s sisters held political talks after their meetings, prompting authorities to suspend Uzma Khan’s visiting privileges.
He warned that any individual who violates prison regulations or creates disorder outside Adiala will face strict action. Justice Minister Tarar highlighted that prison rules prohibit making public any conversations that take place during such visits.
The law minister said the Adiala jail operates under the Punjab government and the new facility in Islamabad is yet to become operational. He stressed that, according to prison rules, the imprisoned PTI founder cannot participate in political debates during meetings.
He said the jail manual allows a convicted inmate one supervised meeting per week with no more than six visitors, and allows only one letter per week, none of which can contain political material or information intended to become public.
“Imran Khan is a convicted prisoner and cannot receive unsupervised meetings,” he said, adding that under Rule 557 the superintendent can end or restrict visits if they appear inconsistent with the rules or threaten public order.
Azam Nazeer Tarar said these regulations have been in place for decades. He recalled that a judge had suspended certain rules and pointed out that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was allowed meetings in Adiala jail but not in Kot Lakhpat due to the same provisions.
He added that during Imran Khan’s tenure, he opposed such permits for convicted prisoners and even took the matter to the Supreme Court. “Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz, despite being in the same jail, were not allowed to meet,” he said.
Responding to a question, he criticized the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa chief minister for saying he needed to consult Imran Khan on the formation of his cabinet, warning that any attempt – or even discussion – to bypass jail security would invite a firm state response.
The information minister accused PTI leaders of spreading claims in the Indian and Afghan media that Imran’s life was in danger, calling it propaganda aimed at harming Pakistan internationally. He said the PTI founder enjoys facilities that have never been granted to any other prisoner.
