Adiala Jail visits suspended until Oct 18

Punjab govt cites security concerns, SCO summit for ban on prisoners' meeting

RAWALPINDI:

In light of heightened security concerns, the Punjab government has imposed a ban on all meetings in Adiala Jail with prisoners and detainees until October 18.

The restriction applies to PTI founding chairman Imran Khan and his spouse, Bushra Bibi, as well. Political leaders, party officials, lawyers, and family members will not be permitted to visit.

However, the ban extends to all inmates, not just high-profile figures.

The superintendent of Adiala Jail has also requested that the courts hearing the cases of the PTI chairman and Bushra Bibi postpone proceedings until next week.

According to jail officials, the decision was made due to security reasons and is in line with the increased security measures being taken in the twin cities ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conference in Islamabad.

The Punjab government made the call to suspend all meetings as part of these measures.

In a request sent to accountability courts, special judges, and the anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi, the jail superintendent cited a letter from the Punjab Home Department dated October 6, which instructed prison authorities to enhance security within the jail and its surroundings.

The letter noted that the jail currently houses 8,000 prisoners, despite its capacity being just 2,100. Among the inmates are former prime ministers, their spouses, individuals convicted of terrorism, and other high-profile political figures.

Given the security threats, the superintendent has asked for the postponement of hearings related to the £190 million reference case, the Toshakhana II case, and the May 9 incidents until next week.

The Home Department's letter, along with the superintendent's appeal, called for coordinated security drills with law enforcement agencies to ensure safety within and around the prison.

It is pertinent to note that the SCO summit is particularly significant as it will mark the first visit by India's Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to Pakistan in nearly a decade. To ensure security, the federal government has deployed Pakistan Army troops under Article 245 of the Constitution, with their presence authorised from October 15 to 17.