The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has raised serious concerns over reports of restrictive detention conditions and alleged denial of family visits for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief and former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The HRCP, in a post on X, said, “Allegations suggesting that he has been unable to meet close relatives, associates, or legal counsel require urgent clarification, as regular access to immediate family and counsel is a fundamental safeguard against isolation and misuse of detention powers.”
The rights body urged the Government of Pakistan and the Punjab Home Department to ensure all practices align with constitutional due process and international standards for humane treatment.
Meanwhile, with Khan remaining unreachable to party leaders and even his family, the PTI announced protests outside the Islamabad High Court and Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail on Tuesday. The demonstrations follow the government’s decision to impose restrictions on public gatherings and limit visitation rights, raising fresh concerns about Khan’s condition.
Reports of growing worries over Khan’s health and circulating rumours about his death prompted authorities to enforce Section 144 in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The order, issued by Deputy Commissioner Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema, is in effect from December 1 to 3 and cites an “imminent threat within the limits of District Rawalpindi,” with the restrictions aimed at maintaining “public safety, security, peace, and tranquillity.”
PTI leader Asad Qaiser told Dawn that opposition lawmakers from both houses of parliament would assemble outside the Islamabad High Court before marching to Adiala jail. “Protests have been planned because the IHC has failed to implement its order and the Adiala jail administration is not willing to follow court directives,” he said.
Tensions escalated last week when the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister staged a sit-in outside Adiala jail after being denied a meeting with Khan for the eighth time. Family members of the PTI chief have also reportedly barred from visiting him for several weeks
IANS