Rawalpindi:The mystery around Imran Khan's health refused to fade away in Pakistan while rumours about the former prime minister's death continue to push the country on edge. The most recent outburst occurred on Friday after Imran Khan's sister filed a complaint with the Islamabad High Court against the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, where he is being held.
Aleema Khan filed a contempt of court petition against the Adiala Jail superintendent and others after she was not allowed to meet the jailed former prime minister.
Aleema filed the petition in front of Sohail Afridi, the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and other leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.
The petition cited the court’s March 24 order which had restored the twice a week meeting schedule for the seventy three year old, who has been held in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi since August 2023.
It said Aleema sought contempt proceedings for what she described as the wilful non implementation of the court’s directives, particularly the authorities failure to allow her meetings with Khan.
It further stated that the respondents disregarded explicit directives to allow visits on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The petition said Aleema remains seriously concerned about her brother’s well being, his legal rights and his humane treatment during his incarceration.
Both Aleema and Afridi had taken part in a sixteen hour sit in that began on Thursday and ended early Friday after they were again denied permission to meet Khan.
Strong security measures outside Adiala JailAbout 700 security guards have been stationed outside the prison where Imran Khan is allegedly being held because the situation is already unstable. The situation remains volatile as PTI supporters continue to gather outside the prison demanding to meet their leader.
Imran Khan is in "good health" and receiving standard care while incarcerated, according to the Adiala Jail administration, which has refuted the rumors surrounding him. But it has been weeks since anyone has seen or met Imran Khan.
Local media reported that PTI lawmakers were shouting anti-Khan slogans in the Senate.
Pakistan's Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry told the parliament on Thursday that Khan was doing well and enjoying facilities like personal chef which are not available to any other prisoners.