Punjab govt refutes Imran’s claim on Gill custodial torture

Punjab Home Minister Col (retd) Hashim Dogar has rejected PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s claim that Shahbaz Gill was tortured during police custody, saying “no one even dares to touch Gill”.

“Shahbaz Gill is perfectly alright in the jail. He is the prisoner of the federal government and the Punjab government has no authority to cut short his imprisonment,” Dogar told the media after visiting the Central Jail Adiala in Rawalpindi on Tuesday where Gill is imprisoned.

On August 12, the former prime minister took to Twitter and “strongly condemned the torture being inflicted on Shahbaz Gill”.

Last week, Gill – the PTI leader and former SAPM – was arrested from Bani Gala Chowk in Islamabad after a video clip of his controversial remarks went viral on social media. He was subsequently booked on charges of inciting mutiny in the military.

Also read: IHC orders local court to decide on Gill's physical remand

The provincial home minister said that it is unquestionable that Gill was undressed and physically humiliated during the custody. “I will give the true picture of Shahbaz Gill’s condition when I meet Imran Khan. And, Gill will himself tell the truth when he will walk free.”

Dogar went on to say that he is an honest man and satisfying Imran Khan on the issue is his responsibility. “I will also present a report on Gill’s custody to Imran Khan and Punjab Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi.”

The minister further said that there are more than 40 jails in the province. “The former chief minister has done a number of uplift works in prisons. Good quality of food and satisfactory level of security are also available in jails.”

Also read: Court rejects police plea for extension in Gill’s remand

Dogar added, “I will also announce a reduction of one month in imprisonment soon.”

Earlier today, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) ordered the judicial magistrate to hear the prosecution's physical remand appeal for Gill again and decide on the matter.

The IHC had earlier in the day reserved its decision on the AGI's plea. It later accepted the AGI's request, who had argued that the PTI leader's physical remand was needed to collect additional evidence, such as his phone and names of those who were behind the offence.

Meanwhile, PTI leader and former information minister Fawad Chaudhry said that what was happening to Gill was “the height of injustice” and the "entire party stands with him”.

Fawad added that the government "is trying to run in the case and the government’s lawyers are not prepared to give arguments”.

“This matter should reach its resolution at the earliest," the PTI leader said, adding that Gill was being targeted as he was "weak".