Judge exposes violations of Imran Khan’s privacy in jail under Rule 257, 771

Additional District & Sessions Judge of Attock Shafqat Ullah Khan visited the jail where the former prime minister and Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan is being confined.

The judge reviewed the facilities provided to the PTI Chairman and expressed his concern over the installation of a CCTV camera just outside his cell.

The judge said that due to the CCTV camera, the Chairman has no privacy even during the bath, which is a violation of Pakistan Prison Rules 257 and 771.

The judge urged the authorities to respect the dignity and rights of the former prime minister.

Complete Text of the Judge’s Report with Heading

“REPORT REGARDING FORTNIGHTLY JAIL INSPECTION CONDUCTED ON 15.08.2023

All necessary corners i.e. the barracks of ladies prisoners, juveniles, under trial prisoners, civil prisoners, kitchen and hospital etc. were visited and the inhabitants were interviewed in detail.

No complaint was received, rather, the inhabitants were found satisfied with regard to provision of basic facilities.

The cell, where Ex-Prime Minister of Pakistan namely Imran Khan was confined, was also visited, who expressed grave concern qua CCTV camera, installed in front of prison bars just at the distance of 5/6 feet covering open bathroom-cum-latrine, having small L-shape walls about 2.5/3 feet high, leaving no privacy while defecating and bathing.

The concern expressed by the prisoner is genuine one and is also violation of Rules 257 and 771 of Pakistan Prison Rules, 1978.

However, Superintendent present there has given assurance to redress this grievance of the prisoner.

Prisoner Imran Khan further complained that, "his wife and lawyers have no easy access to him".

Superintendent has also assured that the prisoner shall be given access to his wife and lawyers as per prevailing rules.”