The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued notices to the interior secretary, law secretary, Punjab Home Department, and Adiala Jail superintendent following a petition challenging the withdrawal of prison privileges from former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir presided over the hearing on Tuesday, reviewing a petition filed by Noreen Niazi.
Advocate Shoaib Shaheen, representing the petitioner, argued that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder’s B-class prison facilities—such as access to newspapers, television, exercise, and electricity—had been removed, along with restrictions on phone calls with his children.
Shaheen contended that these facilities were revoked without justification, in violation of court orders. He argued that imprisonment restricts personal freedom but does not strip an individual of basic human rights.
The court allowed the petitioner’s counsel to submit related court orders on the PTI founder’s prison conditions via a miscellaneous application.
The court further instructed both sides to appoint an authorized officer to appear with the relevant records and a written response.
Earlier, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur issued a warning to the federal government over Khan’s treatment, citing information from Khan’s sisters about poor conditions, including inadequate meals and exercise.
In a video statement, Gandapur warned, “If Imran Khan is not treated well, everyone should prepare for a reaction,” emphasizing that swift action would follow if Khan’s rights and meal quality were not upheld.
Previously, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan also raised concerns, claiming Khan had been without electricity for five days and deprived of TV and newspapers for two weeks, leaving him uninformed on constitutional amendments.
Adiala Jail authorities, however, dismissed these claims, asserting that Khan receives all facilities he is entitled to under B-Class jail rules.
In an official statement, they confirmed that he has continuous electricity, balanced meals, and regular exercise opportunities, with meals prepared by a professional cook to meet his preferences.
