Islamabad, Nov 28 (NationPress) Aleema Khan, the sister of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has lodged a petition for contempt of court against the superintendent of Adiala Jail and other officials for their noncompliance with an Islamabad High Court (IHC) ruling. This order mandated a visitation schedule for the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, requiring meetings twice a week, as reported by local media on Friday.

Aleema Khan's legal action follows a protest led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and other PTI members who staged an overnight sit-in outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. Imran Khan has been detained there since 2023. This protest was triggered after Afridi was denied access to meet Khan for the eighth consecutive time on Thursday.

The petition identifies Adiala Jail Superintendent Abdul Ghafoor Anjum, Saddar Beroni Station House Officer Raja Aizaz Azeem, Federal Interior Secretary Capt (retd) Muhammad Khurram Agha, and Punjab Home Department Secretary Noorul Amin as respondents.

Aleema Khan's plea references the IHC's order from March 24, which reinstated the twice-weekly meeting schedule for Imran. In her petition, she requests the court to initiate contempt proceedings due to the deliberate non-implementation of its directives, particularly regarding her meetings with her brother.

The petition emphasizes that both Imran Khan and others were compelled to seek judicial intervention through writ petitions because of the Adiala Jail superintendent's ongoing non-cooperation and the persistent political victimization.

The plea states: 'Despite the explicit directives of this honorable court, the respondents have repeatedly failed to comply, denying access to legal counsel, family members, and associates of Imran on numerous occasions.'

The petitioner is asking the court to hold contempt proceedings against the respondents for their disregard of the IHC's March 24 order and is urging that they face legal consequences as applicable.

On Thursday, Sohail Afridi expressed that the PTI is contemplating its 'last option' to arrange a meeting with its founder, Imran Khan, who continues to be barred from visitor access. This was Afridi's eighth attempt to meet Khan in the Adiala jail.

Speaking to the media, Afridi declared, 'November 27 was the scheduled date for Imran Khan's cases, but now December 20 has been assigned as the new date. Since October 27, Imran's sisters, doctors, lawyers, and PTI leaders have been denied visitation, raising serious concerns. Authorities must clarify their position, as our patience is wearing thin.'

Earlier, officials from Adiala jail confirmed that Imran Khan remains 'in good health' and has not been transferred from the facility, despite rumors. They stated, 'Reports regarding his transfer are unfounded. He is healthy and receiving comprehensive medical attention,' as reported by another prominent Pakistani daily, The News International.

Imran Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023 and faces numerous charges, including corruption and terrorism, following his ousting from power through a no-confidence vote in 2022.

The prison authorities' statement comes as the PTI demands clarity from the government regarding Imran Khan's status, insisting on a meeting between him and his family amid concerns over his wellbeing. This situation has fueled speculation on social media, with some users falsely claiming that Imran Khan has passed away on X.