Ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan says ‘caged like a terrorist’ in jail

Imran Khan, Pakistan’s former prime minister and leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, has claimed he is being held in severe conditions akin to those of a “terrorist.” Speaking from behind bars in a rare interview with Britain’s The Sunday Times, Khan described his confinement in a 7ft by 8ft “death cell” at the high-security Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, which he says is typically reserved for terrorists to prevent any contact with others.

At 71, Khan reports being subjected to solitary confinement with minimal space and constant surveillance. He alleges that he is denied basic prisoner and human rights, including visitation, and is unable to use writing materials.

Khan has been imprisoned for nearly a year following convictions in multiple cases, including the Toshakhana corruption case, the cipher case, and the un-Islamic marriage case, which also involves his wife, Bushra Bibi. Despite securing bail or having some convictions overturned, Khan remains in custody.

He was initially arrested on August 5 of the previous year following a conviction in the Toshakhana case filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan. Though a court recently overturned his conviction in the Iddat (un-Islamic marriage) case, ruling that he should be released if not facing other charges, Khan was promptly rearrested in another Toshakhana case along with his wife.

Khan frequently criticizes his treatment in jail, but authorities have consistently denied these claims. Information Minister Atta Tarar dismissed allegations of harsh conditions, stating that Khan enjoys amenities such as a gym, kitchen, walking gallery, and luxurious meals at Adiala Jail.

On Saturday, Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, voiced serious concerns about her husband’s safety, alleging inhumane conditions and contaminated food. She emphasized that Khan’s life is at risk, citing past incidents where he was allegedly poisoned and shot at.