Adiala jail lifts ban on meetings

The 10-day ban on meetings at Central Jail Adiala was lifted today, allowing over 8,000 prisoners and detainees to meet their loved ones as usual.

The Punjab Home Department had imposed the restriction due to security threats, causing inconvenience to the families of those incarcerated. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad had also prompted authorities to adopt unprecedented security in the twin cities, including Adiala Jail. During the period of the ban, Adiala Jail authorities enhanced security measures.

According to jail sources, the Punjab Home Department implemented the ban from October 8, affecting all types of meetings, including those with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and the more than 8,000 prisoners in the facility.

The ban caused considerable distress for visitors who were unable to meet their relatives. Jail authorities used this time to not only conduct search operations around the jail but also strengthen security arrangements.

Several security drills were conducted both inside and along the outer walls of the prison, involving Jail Police, Punjab Rangers, Civil Defence, Punjab Police, the Bomb Disposal Squad, Rescue 1122, and firefighters.

The purpose of these security drills was to ensure the safety of the inmates in case of any emergency situation. Starting today, all prisoners' families will be able to resume their visits as per the normal schedule.