- Imran Khan’s Privacy Concern in Prison
- Judge Deems Privacy Concern Genuine
- Prison Department’s Clarification on Facilities
According to Additional District and Sessions, Judge Shafqut Ullah Khan imprisoned PTI chief Imran Khan’s “grave concern” regarding the lack of privacy around his prison cell’s toilet facilities in Attock Jail due to the presence of a CCTV camera is “genuine” and indicates a violation of prison rules.
Imran was convicted guilty of corruption in the Toshakhana case this month and sentenced to three years at Attock Jail.
The judge’s observations regarding the former prime minister’s living conditions were included in a report released today. But compiled on August 15 after he conducted his twice-monthly inspection of the prison facilities.
The judge visited Imran’s cell during a routine inspection and raised “grave concerns” about his privacy and prison conditions.
The judge remarked that the PTI leader raised significant concerns about a CCTV camera placed in front of his prison bars, five to six feet away, and covering an open bathroom commode.
The article described Imran as claiming the facility’s restrooms lacked privacy due to “small L-shaped walls about 2.5-3 feet tall.”
“The concern expressed by the prisoner is genuine and also a violation of Rules 257 and 771 of the Pakistan Prison Rules, 1978,” the judge noted in the report.
According to PPR Rule 257, “Prisoners shall be provided with adequate facilities for bathing and latrines that ensure their privacy.”
Rule 771, which applies to “latrines,” stipulates that “latrine floors should be elevated and frequently renewed.” Each latrine must have a suitable seat and partitions for seclusion.”
The judge stated, however, that the present superintendent of police assured him that the PTI chairman’s complaint would be addressed. He added that the superintendent promised Imran access to his wife and counsel “by applicable regulations.”
The PTI responded that denying a national hero his basic human rights and privileges was “absolutely disgraceful”.
Since Imran’s arrest, the PTI has alleged that he is being held in “distressing conditions” with “C-Class jail facilities.”
Bushra Bibi, Imran’s wife, worried about her husband being “poisoned” at District Jail Attock last week.
In a letter dated August 17 and addressed to the Punjab home secretary, Imran’s wife requested the transfer of the former prime minister from District Jail Attock to Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail out of concern that he could be poisoned in detention.
According to the letter, the ex-prime minister’s life was in jeopardy. Because “he had previously been attacked twice, with bullets once striking his body.”
The Punjab Department of Prisons issues clarification
In response to the allegation, the Punjab Prisons Department issued a clarification stating that the PTI leader was provided with all facilities by Rules 257 and 771 of the Pakistan Prison Rules, 1978.
His cell had a new toilet with five-foot walls, fittings, and a door.
In his cell, Imran had a bed, pillow, mattress, table, chair, air cooler, exhaust fan, fruit, honey, dates, prayer mat, Holy Quran with English translation, several volumes for reading, a thermos with tea, newspapers, and tissue papers, according to the statement.
According to the prison department, Imran was permitted to visit his family on Tuesdays and his solicitors on Thursdays.
Five physicians have been assigned to Imran’s medical facilities. One doctor is present at all times on an eight-hour shift, the statement reads, adding that the PTI leader receives special meals based on the doctor’s recommendation and with the consent of Punjab Inspector General of Prisons Mian Farooq Nazir. According to the report, meals are served by a special staff following a doctor’s inspection.
CCTV cameras have been erected outside of Imran Khan’s cell for his and the prison’s safety.
The statement said more than 4,000 CCTV cameras have been installed in Punjab prisons, including District Jail Attock, for security.
In the meantime, caretaker Interior Minister Sarfaraz Bugti stated on the Geo News program ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath’ that the PTI chief was permitted to receive visitors and furnished with facilities commensurate with the prison class he requested.
He said he would ask the Punjab government and jail officials about the CCTV camera and other inspection report issues.
“As former prime minister, Imran would obtain all the advantages and status he requested for and deserves under the law. I believe he has a cot and a newspaper, so he will be handled according to the law.”
