Adiala Jail Rejects Speculation Over Imran Khan’s Possible Transfer
Authorities at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail have categorically dismissed reports suggesting the government is preparing to relocate former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, calling the claims unfounded and “based on speculation.”
According to senior jail officials, Khan remains in the high-security facility, where he is receiving full medical supervision, security protection and routine meals in accordance with prison regulations. A recent examination by a five-member Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) medical board also declared him stable.
The clarification comes after earlier reports hinted that the government was weighing options to move the incarcerated leader from Adiala Jail. Officials told Geo News that discussions were linked to concerns that PTI was attempting to provoke unrest through demonstrations disguised as public agitation.
Government Voices Concern Amid Escalating Confrontation
Addressing a press conference, Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ikhtiar Wali warned that political friction had reached a dangerous threshold. Without naming Khan, he said the government had reviewed proposals regarding the “prisoner’s” relocation.
Wali also accused Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi of shielding individuals involved in narcotics smuggling, alleging members of his family operated such activities “under his patronage.”
PTI Protests Intensify Outside Jail
Tensions around Adiala have surged in recent weeks, with PTI protests frequently erupting outside the prison over restrictions on meetings with the former prime minister. A day earlier, Khan’s sisters staged a sit-in after being denied access, prompting police to disperse demonstrators with water cannons. Several PTI supporters were arrested following clashes in which some protesters hurled stones at law enforcement.
Read more about Khan Sister’s Protest
Meetings with Khan—detained for over two years—have remained a contentious issue between PTI and the government. A blanket ban was imposed last month, following comments by the military spokesperson describing Khan as a threat to national security.
Political Leaders Trade Accusations as Dialogue Stalls
National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq reiterated that the government remains open to dialogue but claimed the opposition sought negotiations only with the military leadership. He warned that political rhetoric targeting state institutions had pushed the situation to the brink.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan criticized the government’s crackdown on protesters, insisting the party had entered Parliament to strengthen democracy. Meanwhile, PTI leader Asad Qaiser dismissed talk of imposing governor’s rule in KP, saying the party would resist any such move.
Despite the intensifying political dispute, prison authorities maintain there is no administrative decision or ongoing plan to transfer Imran Khan, underscoring that all current reports to the contrary remain unsubstantiated.
