Did Jail Authorities Finally Allow Imran Khan's Sister to Meet Him?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Uzma Khanum allowed to visit Imran Khan after weeks of denial.
- PTI protests highlight deep political divides in Pakistan.
- HRCP raises concerns about human rights and detention conditions.
- Public sentiment is shifting towards demands for fair treatment.
- Imran Khan remains in custody facing serious charges.
Islamabad, December 2 (NationPress) The authorities at Adiala jail granted permission on Tuesday for Uzma Khanum, the sister of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, to visit him, after previously prohibiting his family members and leaders from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from seeing him in prison, as reported by local media.
Uzma Khanum entered the prison to meet Imran Khan, while numerous PTI supporters gathered outside, according to Dawn, a prominent Pakistani daily. This decision by jail authorities comes in the wake of PTI protests against restrictions on Imran Khan's visitation rights, which have been in place for several weeks.
Sohail Afridi, Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stated that since October 27, no one has been permitted to see Imran Khan or his wife, Bushra Bibi. Additionally, Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code was enforced in Islamabad and Rawalpindi ahead of PTI's protests.
With the PTI leader being inaccessible to his party members and family, the PTI announced protests outside the Islamabad High Court and Adiala jail on Tuesday.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has raised serious concerns over reports regarding the restrictive conditions of Imran Khan's detention and the alleged limitations placed on family visits. They emphasized the need for urgent clarification regarding allegations that he has been unable to meet close relatives, associates, or legal counsel, as access to family and counsel is crucial to prevent isolation and misuse of detention powers.
The HRCP urged the Government of Pakistan and the Provincial Punjab Home Department to ensure that all practices adhere to constitutional due-process protections and international standards for humane treatment.
Last week, officials from Rawalpindi's Adiala jail reported that Imran Khan has not been transferred and is in good health. They stated, 'There is no truth to reports about his transfer from Adiala jail. He is fully healthy and receiving complete medical attention,' as reported by another leading Pakistani daily, The News International.
They dismissed rumors regarding his health as baseless and affirmed that Imran Khan's well-being is being prioritized. Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023, facing multiple charges, including corruption and terrorism, following his ouster through a no-confidence motion in 2022.