The PTI-led K-P and PML-N-led Punjab governments squared off on Friday over access to Adiala Jail, with the former railing against restrictions on meeting incarcerated Imran Khan, while the latter brushed off the outcry as 'political grandstanding'.
K-P Information Adviser Barrister Saif has strongly condemned the restrictions on meetings with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, calling it a clear sign of the government's desperation.
In a statement, Barrister Saif claimed that a jailed Imran Khan has left the "illegitimate government" sleepless, alleging that the purpose of banning meetings and imposing other restrictions is to pressure him into making a deal.
However, he asserted that the government should understand that "Imran Khan will not be part of any deal like Nawaz Sharif did".
The K-P advisor further accused the "mandate-thief government" of not only violating fundamental human rights but also committing contempt of court.
"The ban on meetings is raising serious doubts and has caused deep concern among party workers," he added.
He demanded the immediate lifting of restrictions on meetings with Imran Khan.
He also took aim at Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, saying her words and actions contradict each other. "She talks about providing facilities to Imran Khan in her speeches, but the reality is completely different," he added.
'PTI playing victim card'
On the other hand, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari refuted claims of any restrictions on meetings with Imran Khan, saying that the incarcerated leader's family, lawyers and party leaders continue to meet him as usual.
"The Punjab government has not imposed any ban on meetings with the PTI founder," Bokhari said, responding to remarks by K-P Information Adviser Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif.
She added that those making such claims expect prisons to function like amusement parks, where anyone can visit at will without regulations.
"When the Tehreek-e-Fasad [PTI] runs out of cards, they start playing the 'victim card,'" she alleged.
In an apparent reference to Imran's missives to the army chief, she added that writing letters has neither secured nor will secure any deal for the party.
Bokhari also slammed PTI for "running propaganda campaigns" against the very individuals they appeal to for relief.
She alleged that around 50 PTI members in London protested during the army chief's visit, aligning themselves with foreign agendas. "The party that claims to represent overseas Pakistanis has seen all its calls rejected by them," she asserted.
Bokhari added that PTI's politics remain incomplete without referring to Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz.
Meanwhile, PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar has filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking permission to meet Imran in jail.
Through Advocate Ayesha Khalid, Akbar submitted the petition stating that he was denied access to the PTI founder during a scheduled visit. The plea requests the court to direct the jail superintendent to allow the meeting.
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