Adiala jail superintendent requests delay in Imran Khan's hearings

Request citing escalating security threats submitted to judges of Accountability Court, Special Central Judge, and ATC

The Superintendent of Adiala Jail has formally requested a postponement of court hearings for former Prime Minister Imran Khan, citing escalating security threats.

This request was submitted to judges of the Accountability Court, Special Central Judge, and Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi.

In a communication detailing the security concerns, the superintendent indicated that a letter from the Punjab Home Department, received on October 6, directed the implementation of additional security measures.

These measures include conducting security drills in collaboration with law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of both inmates and staff during the hearings.

Adiala Jail, which has a designated capacity of 2,100 inmates, is currently housing around 8,000 prisoners, including individuals accused of serious crimes such as terrorism and other high-profile political detainees.

The superintendent emphasised the urgent need for enhanced security protocols, given the overcrowded conditions and potential risks posed by the presence of politically charged cases.

The request specifically calls for the deferral of hearings related to the 190 million pound corruption case, the Toshakhana case, and the events surrounding the protests of May 9 until next week.

The request highlights the challenges faced by the jail administration amid increasing security threats.

Accompanying the request was a letter from the Punjab Home Department addressed to the Inspector General of Prisons, which underlined the necessity for stringent security measures within the facility.

Imran Khan is currently facing the £190 million and Toshakhana 2.0 cases, attending the hearings from Adiala Jail.

Imran, 300 PTI workers booked on terror charges

In the wake of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) D-Chowk protests, a case of sedition and terrorism has been filed against PTI founding chairman Imran Khan and several senior party leaders and workers in Lahore and Rawalpindi.

Prominent leaders named in the First Information Report (FIR) include Hammad Azhar, Salman Akram Raja, Ghulam Mohiuddin, MPA Shehbaz, Musarrat Jamshed Cheema, Sheikh Imtiaz, Ali Imtiaz, and Shabbir Gujar, among others.

According to the FIR, Imran Khan has allegedly been provided with extraordinary privileges inside prison, allowing him to communicate with his party leaders.

It is claimed that from jail, he incited these leaders to engage in violent actions against the state.

As a result, these leaders, along with PTI workers, raised anti-state slogans and engaged in vandalism.

One of the workers allegedly injured Constable Bilal during the chaos. Police arrested 16 workers on the spot, and further legal action against them is ongoing.

Additionally, several cases have been registered against PTI workers for violating Section 144 by holding protests in the city. The protests were prohibited under the emergency law, which was in effect at the time.

Separate cases were also registered at the Millat Park and Hanjarwal police stations against PTI workers. In Hanjarwal, an FIR was filed by ASI Aqeel against 20 workers, who were arrested the previous day for protesting in defiance of the restrictions.

Similarly, at Millat Park Police Station, Sub-Inspector Hafiz Imran lodged a case against 10 workers for violating Section 144. The crackdown against PTI workers continues as the authorities proceed with legal measures against those involved in the unrest.

Meanwhile, in Rawalpindi, charges have been pressed against more than 300 party members, including senior leadership, in connection with the ongoing protests at Islamabad's D-Chowk.

The case, filed at the Naseerabad Police Station under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) sections 7ATA, 21/1, and section 120B for criminal conspiracy, also includes charges of making inflammatory speeches (section 550) and aiding and abetting a crime (section 109).

According to the police, Imran and key Rawalpindi leaders have been named under Section 109 for aiding and abetting the crime. The case has been transferred to the Incharge Investigation for further inquiry.

So far, 16 protesters have been arrested during the operation, and batons have been recovered from them.

The FIR, registered by Sub-Inspector Mehboob Rehman, accuses the PTI founding chairman and local leadership of orchestrating a plan to overthrow the government and impose their agenda through violent means.

According to the FIR, around 300 workers, armed with weapons, petrol bombs, and batons, set out to create chaos, disrupting the public order and spreading terror.

Sub-Inspector Rehman stated that he received information that a group of PTI protesters, under the direction of their chairman and local leadership, had blocked the M1 Motorway toll plaza. The protestors were chanting slogans against state institutions and refused to disperse despite being informed that Section 144 was in effect.

The FIR further details that PTI leaders, including Raja Shahbaz and Shehryar Riaz, instructed the protestors to gather in larger numbers, defy government orders, and create disorder. Under the leadership of Alamgir, the protesters attacked police personnel with sticks, stones, and petrol bombs.

The attack resulted in the windshield of a police vehicle being shattered. Additionally, shots were fired by the protesters, spreading fear and panic in the surrounding area.

With the help of security forces, 16 protesters, including Alamgir, Gohar Ali, and Inayat, were arrested, and batons were seized. The FIR accuses the PTI chairman and other senior party leaders of inciting violence and spreading terrorism, causing harm to public peace.

The FIR also mentions that despite judicial orders, Imran Khan has been granted illegal and extraordinary privileges in prison, allowing him to maintain communication with his political workers.

It is alleged that he has been encouraging his supporters to engage in violent activities against the state and its institutions.

The senior police officer confirmed that the PTI chairman and Rawalpindi leadership have been named in the case for aiding the crime. Special teams have been formed to arrest the remaining suspects.

The officer added that the party's leadership, including the PTI founder, will be included in the ongoing investigation.