Court adjourns £190m case hearing over 'security concerns'

An accountability court in Islamabad accepted on Wednesday the request by the superintendent of Adiala jail to adjourn the hearing of the £190 million reference against PTI founder Imran Khan due to 'security concerns'.

The hearing has been adjourned till May 17. In his request to the court, the jail official cited reports received by the Punjab Home Department of threats of attacks on prisons in Punjab by banned organisations. 

The request also highlighted that Adiala jail is the most sensitive prison in the province and houses more than 7,000 prisoners. It added that criminals involved in serious crimes including high-profile political entities are also incarcerated at Adiala.

There are security threats to Mianwali, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rawalpindi (Adiala), and Attock jails, said the request. 

Following the reports, security was increased in and around the prison and security forces also conducted a mock exercise at Adiala jail. Besides, surrounding areas are also being combed by security personnel.

On March 7, the Rawalpindi police and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) foiled a major terrorist plot as they prevented an attack on the Adial Jail, arresting three Afghan nationals, in a joint operation.

Read Bar on Imran's visits after 'threat' to Adiala

CPO Syed Khalid Hamdani revealed that sketches of Adiala Jail, hand grenades, and IEDs [improvised explosive devices] were recovered from the terrorists.

Just five days later, a mock exercise was conducted at Adiala jail; just a day after the Punjab government imposed a two-week ban on prisoner visitations, as well as media coverage.

Pakistan Rangers, Rawalpindi police, anti-terrorism wing of the prisons department, Rescue 1122 and the bomb disposal squad participated in the drill.

After reviewing the safety protocols of three penitentiaries in Punjab, including the Adiala Jail, the Punjab home ministry ordered to beef up security at these prisons and carry out mock exercises to deal with any emergency situation.

Adiala Jail houses high-profile political figures, including PTI founder and former premier Imran Khan, party president Parvez Elahi, ex-foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and former PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry.