Bushra Bibi, the former first lady of Pakistan, has approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking enhanced security measures for her husband, former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently serving a three-year prison sentence in Adiala Jail. The move comes amid growing concerns that Khan’s life may be in danger due to the possibility of poisoning while in confinement.
In August, Imran Khan was sentenced to three years in prison and fined Rs100,000 for false asset declarations submitted to the Election Commission of Pakistan. Additionally, the PTI chief was disqualified for five years, effectively ending his prospects of participating in the upcoming general elections.
Adiala Jail has housed several former prime ministers during their sentences, and concerns about the safety of high-profile inmates are not uncommon.
On Monday, Bushra Bibi, represented by her lawyer Latif Khosa, filed a petition with the IHC expressing grave concerns about her husband’s well-being behind bars. She cited the potential risk of tampering with Khan’s food, highlighting that he is not receiving the entitled facilities as outlined in the prison manual.
The petitioner underscored that Imran Khan has been denied home-cooked meals, which other prisoners have received in the past. She argued that such treatment constitutes a violation of Articles 9 and 14 of the Constitution, which guarantee the right to life and dignity.
In her plea to the court, Bushra Bibi requested immediate intervention to ensure the implementation of court orders related to the provision of facilities for her husband in jail. She urged the court to direct the responsible medical officer to guarantee the supply of healthy and safe food to Imran Khan.
Furthermore, she implored the court to instruct relevant authorities to grant Khan the privilege of exercising and taking walks while incarcerated, in a bid to improve his overall well-being and safety.
The case has garnered significant attention in Pakistan, with many speculating on the potential implications for Imran Khan’s future and the safety of high-profile prisoners in the country’s correctional facilities. The Islamabad High Court is expected to review the petition and make a decision in the coming weeks.
