The Punjab Home Department announced a two-week ban on prisoner visitations and media access at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on Tuesday. The facility accommodates prominent political figures, including Imran Khan, the founder of PTI and former Prime Minister
Since the February 8 polls, the prison has been a focal point for several meetings between the incarcerated former PTI chief and party leaders, as well as its allies, seeking consultations with the former premier regarding the party’s political direction.
In directives issued to the Punjab IG, the department cited a ‘threat alert’ issued for the prison by law enforcement and intelligence agencies as the reason for the decision.
The department’s Internal Security Wing reported that terrorists supported by anti-state groups aimed to target the prison to create chaos in the country. Therefore, it was imperative for the department to take necessary measures to prevent such incidents.
According to sources, the department has instructed the Special Branch, Intelligence Bureau, and Prisons Department to conduct a security assessment of the prison on March 13 (tomorrow). It has also mandated the installation of barbed wire around the boundary wall and the screening of the jail premises and surrounding areas by the bomb disposal squad.
In accordance with the directives from the Home Department, government contractors and jail staff will undergo security clearance by police and Rangers, along with conducting mock emergency drills.
The ban will affect all inmates of the jail, including former Prime Minister Imran, former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, and PTI President Parvez Elahi.
MWM Lodges Contempt Petition
Today, the Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) has submitted a contempt petition to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the superintendent of Adiala jail. This action follows the denial of a meeting between the party’s chief and other members with the PTI founding chairman the previous day. Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, the party’s chairman, filed the plea.
Speaking to the media after submitting the plea, Allama Nasir expressed disappointment that despite a court order issued on March 8, the jail authorities refused to allow him to meet Imran. He further elaborated that he was kept waiting from 9 AM to 4 PM on March 11 by the prison officers.
The MWM leader lamented the state of affairs in the country, describing it as “worse than a jungle”. He emphasized, “Even a jungle has more laws.”
PTI Officials Denied Access
In the past month, numerous leaders of the PTI, including those elected in the February 8 general elections, were denied entry by Adiala jail as they attempted to meet with the party founder.
These leaders asserted they possessed a court order allowing them to discuss the current situation and unfolding political events in the country with Imran. However, the jail administration refused to comply with the court’s directives.
Only five PTI leaders were permitted to meet with Imran: Barrister Ali Zafar, Barrister Umair Niazi, Ali Bukhari, Shadab Jafari, and Ahmed Owais Advocate, while others were denied access to the meeting.
Among those barred from meeting Imran were Acting PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan, Chief Organiser Omar Ayub, former Speaker of the National Assembly Asad Qaiser, former Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir Sardar Qayyum Niazi, as well as other party figures such as Atif Khan, Shahram Tarakai, Sher Afzal Marwat, and Seembia Tahir.
Qaiser emphasized the necessity for senior party leaders to consult with the PTI founder, given significant developments in the country. He underscored, “The people have given a substantial mandate to the PTI founder.”