Punjab jail responds to Aleema’s concerns over jailed PTI founder’s health, safety
Imran Khan orders to expel legislators absent on voting day for 26th constitutional amendment. PHOTO: PIXABAY
LAHORE/RAWALPINDI:
Punjab Prisons said former Prime Minister Imran Khan – currently lodged at Adiala Prison in Rawalpindi – is in good health and enjoying all the facilities he is legally entitled to under the prison manual.
The department issued the statement apparently in response to letters written to the Punjab Home Ministry and the Inspector General of Punjab Prisons by Imran’s sister Aleema Khan, who expressed serious concerns over the health and safety of the PTI founder.
In her letters, Aleema said no family member had been able to meet Imran Khan since November 4 and demanded that her family and lawyers be allowed to meet him immediately.
She said international media were raising questions about Imran Khan’s safety and seeking clarification on his condition and the circumstances of his detention.
She urged the Punjab government to take prompt action regarding the welfare of Imran Khan, adding that transparency must be ensured regarding the health and safety of the former prime minister.
In a statement released on Friday, Punjab Prisons said Imran Khan was safe and healthy in jail, where six rooms of a barracks are at his disposal.
It says Bushra Bibi – Imran’s wife who is also incarcerated in the same facility – is allowed to meet him once a week and that he also has access to television and newspapers.
Imran, he says, is allowed to have food – including desi chicken and fish – brought in from outside once a week. The Punjab Prisons Department clarified that the meetings with the PTI founder are being held in strict accordance with the Prisons Manual.
He said any visitors’ meetings were organized after reviewing existing rules and regulations, but clarified that events occurring outside the prison premises were not the responsibility of the prison administration.
Meanwhile, security at Adiala Prison has once again been placed on high alert due to potential threats and the general law and order situation, police sources told The Express PK Press Club. For the first time, five checkpoints were established around the prison. In total, 700 police officers, including 23 inspectors, will carry out security tasks 24 hours a day, divided into different teams. They said the special security plan for the prison perimeter would remain in effect indefinitely. Massive deployment was made on five pickets around the jail, including at Naaka Dahgal, Gate-1, Gate-5, Factory Naaka and Gorakhpur. The service was divided into two 12-hour shifts. SHOs from 12 police stations, along with women police officers, will also be on duty.
More than 700 personnel from the Riot Management Force (RMP), Punjab Police and various police stations will be deployed.
Sources said security personnel will be equipped with rubber bullets, tear gas, batons, shields and riot gear.
