Imran Khan has news access but remains frustrated in jail, says scholar Mirza

Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza shares details of PTI founder’s routine in Adiala Jail after securing bail

Religious scholar Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza, who was recently imprisoned in Adiala Jail before being granted bail in a high-profile blasphemy case, has shared details about the conduct and daily routine of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan behind bars.

Speaking to a private television channel, Mirza said Khan does not enjoy “palace-like” facilities in jail but does have access to news from the outside world. He said the former prime minister is provided with two newspapers and an LED television in his room, allowing him to stay updated.

Mirza said Imran Khan appeared “very frustrated” in jail, adding that such frustration was not unusual for someone who had spent nearly two years behind bars.

He said six barracks had been allotted to Khan for his stay. Five were for his personal use, while the sixth was used by his attendant. According to Mirza, Khan would come out of his barrack twice a day -- once at 9am for breakfast and again at 3pm for lunch.

Read: Court grants Engr Muhammad Ali Mirza bail in blasphemy case

Mirza said the attendant prepared food using desi ghee and that the aroma would spread to other inmates. He also claimed that when Khan became angry, he spoke very loudly and continuously.

The remarks have reignited debate over the conditions and facilities provided to the PTI founder at Adiala Jail.

The revelations came after Mirza was granted bail by the Rawalpindi Bench of the Lahore High Court in a blasphemy case registered in Jhelum. Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan approved his bail on December 3, 2025, and directed him to submit two surety bonds of Rs500,000 each.

The case was registered by the Federal Investigation Agency’s Cyber Crime Wing and alleges insults to revered religious figures. Mirza had challenged the investigation and sought relief from the High Court. Following the submission of surety bonds, he was released from Adiala Jail in early December.

Last month, PTI wrote to the Senate chairman, demanding the immediate formation of a parliamentary committee to review what it described as the “solitary confinement” and “violation of fundamental rights” of Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi at Adiala Jail.

In the letter, the party said senators were constitutionally empowered to review the conditions of any citizen in custody, particularly a former prime minister and an elected member of the National Assembly. PTI proposed Senators Ali Zafar, Hamid Khan, Azam Swati and Mishal Azam for the committee.

“All the senators wish to express grave concern over the unlawful solitary confinement and the continued violation of the fundamental rights of Chairman Imran Khan,” the letter said.

“The conditions under which he is being held raise serious constitutional, legal and humanitarian concerns,” it added. The party also said it was distressed by the “isolation and treatment of Bushra Bibi”, calling it a violation of basic human rights.