- Khan’s plea seeks transfer from Attock jail to Adiala.
- He’s also asked for A-Class amenities in prison.
- IHC Chief Justice asks about procedure of sending prisoners to jails.
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) is seeking information regarding the decision to place former Prime Minister Imran Khan in Attock jail instead of Adiala jail, as originally directed by the sessions court. Chief Justice of IHC, Aamer Farooq, has asked authorities to clarify who authorized this transfer and to submit a report by August 11 (Friday). This inquiry comes during the hearing of a plea filed by Imran Khan, who is the chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, seeking a transfer to a different prison and improved facilities following his arrest on August 5 in the Toshakhana case.
In his petition, Khan is requesting to be moved from Attock jail to Adiala jail and is also seeking A-Class amenities. He has further asked for permission to have a medical assessment conducted by his personal physician, Dr. Faisal Sultan. Additionally, Khan is appealing for authorization to meet with his legal team, family members, and senior party officials.
Chief Justice Aamer Farooq noted that due to the absence of a proper jail facility in Islamabad, detainees are housed in Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail. He expressed curiosity about the process of prisoner transfers between jails.
According to the orders issued by Judge Humayun Dilawar, Imran Khan was supposed to be sent to Adiala jail in Rawalpindi. However, he was taken to Attock jail instead. Khan’s lawyer, Advocate Sher Afzal Marwat, informed the court that the government has the authority to transfer prisoners to different jails within the Punjab region. Marwat also highlighted that while Khan is entitled to A-Class facility under jail rules, he is being held in solitary confinement at District Jail Attock, which is not designated as A-Class.
The lawyer also pointed out that Khan’s meeting with his legal team was delayed despite a court order. When questioned about the delay, it was explained that the order was issued late, and the meeting time had already passed. Furthermore, Khan’s legal team members have faced difficulties, with one lawyer being questioned by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for nine hours under the pretense of an investigation.
The chief justice emphasized that no individual should face harassment in the name of an investigation and asserted that prisoners have rights that must be upheld. He firmly stated that appointments with lawyers cannot be refused and emphasized that everyone is entitled to their rights.
Read more: ECP Disqualifies Imran Khan for 5 Years Due to Toshakhana Case Conviction
Addressing Khan’s lawyer, the chief justice encouraged a focused and organized approach to the case, highlighting that the proceedings should not become overly politicized. He suggested that lawyers coordinate their appearances to avoid overcrowding.
While the lawyer requested an expedited hearing for the following day, the IHC chief justice adjourned the proceedings until August 11, citing health-related absence. The court’s pursuit of clarity regarding Imran Khan’s jail placement underscores the importance of upholding legal and human rights standards.
