ISLAMABAD: The Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry that meetings with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan will remain suspended until February 8.
Furthermore, Chaudhry confirmed that prison visits with the incarcerated PTI leader would not be allowed during this period. He maintained that Adiala Jail could not be used as a political platform and criticised the PTI for what he described as efforts to “spread hostility against state institutions.”
The minister said that the government had previously allowed regular meetings between PTI leaders and Imran Khan while he was detained at Adiala Jail. However, he alleged that these interactions later turned into political briefings outside the prison, contributing to what he called politically motivated narratives amplified by foreign media.
In addition, the suspension of meetings has drawn criticism from Imran Khan’s family and party, who have raised concerns over his conditions in detention.
PTI leader Barrister Ali Zafar said that the Constitution considers prolonged isolation akin to torture. He argued that denying meetings violates both domestic and international human rights laws.
Zafar added that PTI supporters attempting to express solidarity outside Adiala Jail had faced water cannons and force, despite staging peaceful protests. So far, the security forces used water cannons to disperse Imran Khan’s sisters, PTI leaders and workers after authorities refused permission for prison visits.
Zafar said the party would continue its efforts to meet its founder and added that any meaningful political dialogue would require access to Imran Khan. Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said prison meetings were suspended after intelligence suggested they were being used to plan protests.
He claimed that discussions during visits focused on organising demonstrations to mark the anniversary of the PTI’s November 26, 2024, march on Islamabad.
