A day after tension broke out outside Pakistan’s Adiala Jail following rumours that Imran Khan had died in custody, jail officials clarified that the former Prime Minister is “fully healthy” and still inside the prison. They called the speculation “baseless” and said he is getting “complete medical attention”, as reported by Geo News.
Imran Khan, who has been in Adiala Jail for over two years due to several corruption and terrorism cases, is being kept in what his family claims are harsh, solitary conditions. His sisters and sons say that they have not been allowed to meet him, even though the Islamabad High Court has granted visitation twice a week.
The rumours sparked chaos on Wednesday when PTI workers and Imran’s sisters sat in a demonstration near the Adiala Jail checkpost.
Soon, thousands of PTI supporters gathered, and some reportedly tried to force their way into the jail. The protest ended only after officials assured Imran’s sister Aleema Khan that a meeting would be arranged.
According to ARY News, the sisters may meet him today and again next Tuesday, December 2. This comes after another sit-in last week, where Imran’s sisters said they were dragged on the street, physically handled, and briefly detained.
ALSO READ | Two National Guard troops critical after shooting near White House; Afghan suspect detained
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif claimed that Imran is getting better facilities in jail than he ever did before. He said, “Check the menu of the food that comes for him. It is not available even in a five-star hotel.” He added that Imran also has access to a TV, exercise equipment, a double bed and a “velvet mattress”.
Asif compared this to his own experience in prison, saying, “We slept on cold floors, ate jail food, and had only two blankets in January with no hot water.” He also claimed that prison staff had removed the geyser from his cell on purpose.
