Pakistan Govt Refutes Imran Khan’s Claims of Mistreatment in Jail

Islamabad: The Pakistani government on Thursday submitted detailed reports to the Supreme Court regarding the living conditions of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, aiming to counter his allegations of mistreatment and solitary confinement without legal access.

The submission included photographs of Khan’s cell, showcasing various amenities such as a collection of books, including Nelson Mandela’s “Long Walk to Freedom,” highlighting Khan’s freedom to read in jail.

The documents also listed family members, friends, lawyers, and party members who have visited Khan since his imprisonment on corruption charges in August last year. Khan, 71, is also contesting numerous other cases, which he and his party claim are politically driven to hinder his political comeback.

The government urged the Supreme Court to appoint a judicial officer to verify these conditions.

Khan recently complained about being held in solitary confinement without access to his lawyers. During a video link appearance before Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, Khan requested an inspection of his cell conditions. Chief Justice Isa announced plans to appoint a commission for a surprise inspection.

Khan’s party maintained their stance on his alleged mistreatment, asserting that the photographs depicted solitary confinement conditions. They argued that the images contradicted the entitlement of a former prime minister to an A-class cell, which should include an air-conditioned room and a helper.

The government-submitted photographs depicted a cluttered bedroom with a study table, chair, single bed, cooler, washbasin, and flat-screen TV. Additional images showed a long walkway with barracks, a separate kitchen stocked with condiments, a collection of books on various topics, and a room equipped with fitness gear and an exercise bike.