Imran Khan's Sister Takes Islamabad HC to Task Over Denied Jail Visits, Threatens Parliament Shutdown

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Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan's sister, Aleema Khan, has filed a contempt of court petition in the Islamabad High Court against the Adiala Jail superintendent and other authorities for not allowing her to meet her brother in prison. The petition cites a March 24 court order reinstating a twice-a-week meeting schedule for Khan, who has been incarcerated since August 2023. Aleema, accompanied by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and other leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), expressed deep concern over Khan's well-being, legal rights, and humane treatment during his ongoing incarceration. Despite court directions for visits on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the respondents failed to comply. Afridi, who led a 16-hour sit-in outside the jail on Thursday, threatened to disrupt the parliament if his demands to meet Khan and receive information about his health are not met. He announced that PTI lawmakers will raise slogans in the Senate against Khan's continued incarceration and vowed to continue protests outside the high court and Adiala Jail. Rumors about Khan's deteriorating health have been circulating, but authorities have denied the concerns, stating that he is doing well and enjoying facilities not available to other prisoners. Afridi has been trying to meet Khan since taking office as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister last month, but his efforts have been unsuccessful so far.