The Punjab Prisons Department’s (PPD) representative stated on Tuesday that a fresh restroom with walls reaching five feet in height, as well as a doorway, has been erected for Imran Khan, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former premier, at Attock Jail.
Imran Khan Cell Upgrade New Washroom and Privacy Measures at Attock Jail
The representative’s statement arrives after Attock’s Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ), Shafquat Ullah Khan, inspected the former prime minister’s chamber and determined that his grievances and worries concerning living conditions — notably, the absence of seclusion in the restroom — are valid.
According to the PPD spokesperson’s clarification, all amenities outlined in rules 257 and 771 of the Pakistan Prisons Rules, 1978, have been provided to the PTI head.
Addressing concerns over bathroom privacy, the spokesperson stated that a fresh restroom had been constructed within the cell of PTI’s chairman.
“The restroom’s walls stand at a height of five feet, complemented by the inclusion of a door,” they disclosed. Furthermore, the spokesperson added that a western-style commode and a wash basin had been integrated into the restroom.
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At present, Khan is serving a three-year prison term at Attock Jail following his conviction in the Toshakhana case earlier this month.
In an observation issued on Monday and compiled on August 15, the presiding judge remarked that during Khan’s visit, he had expressed “serious worries” about the breach of his privacy and the prevailing living conditions within the penitentiary.
Significant concerns were raised by him regarding a CCTV camera positioned in front of his prison bars, situated at a distance of approximately five to six feet. This camera covers an open bathroom and latrine area.
Regarding the CCTV cameras, the spokesperson clarified that they had been placed outside the room.
“To enhance both Imran Khan’s personal security and the prison’s security, CCTV cameras have been situated outside his room. In fact, more than 4,000 CCTV cameras have been installed not only in District Jail Attock but also in other prisons across Punjab for security purposes,” the spokesperson’s statement underlined.
In addition, they added that amenities including soap, perfume, air freshener, towels, tissue papers, a bed, pillows, mattresses, tables, chairs, air conditioners, and exhaust fans had been provided.
Moreover, Khan was attended to by five doctors, one of whom remained available at all times. Special food was served to Khan only after undergoing medical evaluation.
“Fruits, honey, dates, a prayer mat, Quran, and books have also been provided,” the spokesperson supplemented.
The report also indicated Khan’s complaint about the limited accessibility for his wife and lawyers. In response, the spokesperson clarified that the PTI chairman’s family meets him on Tuesdays, while his legal team visits him on Thursdays.
Recently, Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, expressed concerns about the potential for her husband’s poisoning during his detention at District Jail Attock.
In a dated letter addressed to the Punjab home secretary on August 17, she urged the transfer of the ex-PM from District Jail Attock to Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail. The letter also expressed fear that he could be poisoned, citing previous attacks where he sustained gunshot wounds.
Meanwhile, a PTI Core Committee meeting highlighted observations from Additional District and Sessions Judge Shafqut Ullah Khan, who corroborated claims of ill-treatment in Attock Jail.
The PTI asserted that the report aligns with their assertions of inhumane and illegal treatment toward their chairman in Attock prison.
Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfaraz Bugti, speaking on Geo News’ program ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath,’ maintained that the PTI chief had been permitted to meet visitors and provided facilities corresponding to his designated prison class. Bugti pledged to investigate issues raised in the inspection report, including the matter of CCTV cameras.
“We will ensure that all the facilities and the prison class he (Imran) is entitled to as an ex-prime minister in accordance with the law are duly provided. He has a bed and receives newspapers, but he will only receive facilities permitted by relevant laws,” Bugti affirmed.