Imran Khan in Jail
Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan and chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was arrested on May 9, 2023, by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on charges of corruption related to the Al-Qadir Trust. His arrest followed accusations against a high-ranking ISI official, which the military’s media wing, ISPR, called “irresponsible and baseless.” The Supreme Court of Pakistan later ruled the arrest unlawful, ordering his immediate release and granting him bail on May 12, 2023.
Time in Jail
Imran in JailConditions Inside Jail
Since his arrest, Khan has been held in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi, known for housing high-profile political prisoners. Reports indicate he is held in a high-security cell, isolated from the general prison population. Concerns about his health have been prominent, with allegations of inadequate medical care and deteriorating conditions. The stringent security measures and isolation have also raised concerns about his mental well-being.
Here are few pictures shown as to what looked to be Imran’s prison room with the description outlining facilities such as an LED TV, room cooler, study table and a chair.
The second picture showed an “exclusive gallery” for the PTI founder to walk in twice a day.
The third picture showed a cupboard filled with cooking ingredients and utensils.
A fourth picture showed various books provided for the PTI founder’s reading.
A fifth picture showed an exercise machine and a “stretching belt” for Imran’s physical fitness.
A sixth picture showed a bookshelf stacked with various books.
Here’s what the official PTI handle on X tweeted after the release of pictures.
Health and Security
Khan has faced various health issues, including chronic back pain and digestive problems, allegedly exacerbated by insufficient medical attention in jail. Security around him is extremely tight, with constant surveillance and restricted interactions with other inmates and visitors, heightening concerns about his psychological state due to isolation.
Protests and Political Turmoil
Khan’s arrest ignited widespread protests across Pakistan, with demonstrations in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar. These protests led to numerous casualties, property damage, and arrests of over 9,000 PTI supporters. The interior ministry suspended mobile broadband services to control the situation. Notably, protests predominantly targeted the military, highlighting unprecedented civil-military tensions.
International Reactions and Legal Battles
The international community, including human rights organizations, expressed concern over Khan’s imprisonment and detention conditions. Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling and his release on bail, corruption charges against Imran Khan persist. His legal team continues to challenge these charges, asserting political motivations behind his arrest. Khan has publicly accused the current army chief, General Asim Munir, of orchestrating his arrest, reflecting his contentious relationship with the military.