Pakistan: Imran Khan Shifted to Adiala jail in Rawalpindi on Court Orders

Pakistan: Imran Khan Shifted to Adiala jail in Rawalpindi on Court Orders

The Islamabad High Court’s Decision

Imran Khan, the Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), currently serving a three-year sentence in the Toshakhana case, has been relocated from Attock Jail to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. This decision was made by the Islamabad High Court (IHC). The court highlighted that under-trial prisoners from courts in the federal capital are generally held at Adiala.

Security Measures and Facilities

Asad Warraich, the Adiala Jail superintendent, confirmed Khan’s arrival and the implementation of increased security measures. He also stated that Khan would be provided with facilities according to the jail manual. PTI supporters expressed their support for the move by showering the police convoy with rose petals.

چیئرمین عمران خان کا اڈیالہ جیل کے باہر استقبال#ہمت_والا_لیڈر_عمران_خان
pic.twitter.com/kFGeVEEbpA

— PTI (@PTIofficial) September 26, 2023

The IHC’s Verdict on Khan’s Plea

The IHC issued its written verdict on Khan’s request for transfer, stating that he was an under-trial prisoner and prisoners facing cases in the capital were to be housed at Adiala Jail. The court dismissed any objections pertaining to security concerns or lack of adequate security at the Central Jail Adiala, Rawalpindi.

In regards to Khan’s request for an exercise machine, the IHC mentioned that it was not within their jurisdiction to provide such a directive. They advised Khan to submit an application for it with the Attock jail superintendent.

Proceedings for Khan’s Bail Plea

The IHC also issued a written verdict on Khan’s plea against the Federal Investigation Agency’s request for in-camera proceedings for his bail plea before the high court. The IHC clarified that if the prosecution wanted to exclude the public from proceedings, they would need to apply for it.

Judicial Remands Extended in Cipher Case

In a separate cipher case, a special court extended the judicial remands for both Khan and Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi until October 10. The case pertains to a missing diplomatic document, which the PTI alleges contained a threat from the United States to remove Khan from power.

Special Court Proceedings

The law ministry disclosed that Khan’s special court proceedings are being held in the Attock jail due to security reasons. Khan’s judicial remand was initially extended till September 13 and then again till September 26, alongside Qureshi’s. Both leaders’ bail pleas were rejected by the special court earlier this month, and Khan has since sought post-arrest bail from the IHC.

Recent Hearing and Qureshi’s Statement

During the most recent hearing, the Federal Investigation Agency’s team and Khan’s lawyers were present. The judicial remand of the ex-premier was extended till October 10, and the court ordered the FIA to submit a challan soon. Qureshi was presented before the special court at the Federal Judicial Complex in Islamabad. His judicial remand in the case was also extended till October 10. Speaking to reporters, Qureshi claimed his innocence in the case and stated that if the PTI was not allowed to contest the general elections, the polls would be meaningless and worthless.