Imran to benefit as Adiala jail lifts ban on visitors

The ban on prisoner visits at Adiala Jail has been lifted, allowing regular meetings with family and legal representatives for both the PTI founder Imran Khan and general inmates.

The ban, initially imposed due to security concerns, lasted for three weeks, affecting over 8,000 prisoners and detainees, who faced challenges in meeting their families and obtaining essential supplies.

Jail sources revealed that on October 4, the Punjab government issued a notification suspending prisoner visits due to heightened security risks, with the ban initially set to last until October 18.

However, on October 18, a subsequent notification extended the ban until October 21. The restriction was further prolonged through a new notification issued on October 22.

On Saturday, however, the Punjab government announced the end of the restrictions, allowing inmates and detainees to resume regular meetings with their families and lawyers.

Sources said that during the ban, trial proceedings of the PTI founder, including the jail trial in the £190 million reference, Toshakhana 2 case, and cases related to the events of May 9, were also suspended.

The cases continued in respective courts, but no substantial developments occurred. With the ban lifted, the jail trial is expected to resume, and regular meetings with the PTI founder's family and legal team are set for Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Over the past three weeks, jail authorities, in coordination with other agencies, increased security measures and conducted security drills to counter potential threats, jail sources disclosed. The resumption of visits will also allow inmates to receive food, personal items, and other necessities from their families.

It is pertinent to note that restrictions affecting all inmates ignited concerns over the ex-premier's health. PTI leaders threatened a march on Islamabad, warning of escalating tensions if Imran's medical team and lawyers were denied access in prison.

On Thursday, PTI's legal team turned to the Islamabad High Court (IHC), which spurred a swift response. A judge ordered the government to facilitate a meeting between the incarcerated leader and his legal counsel, a directive that was promptly executed later in the day, temporarily easing tensions.