Imran Khan being poisoned to death in jail, claims lawyer

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned on corruption charges, has raised concerns about mental torture and mistreatment by the administration.

In a startling revelation, his lawyer, Naeem Panjutha, has asserted that Khan is at risk of being subjected to slow-poisoning while incarcerated at the Adiala jail in Rawalpindi, where he was transferred on September 26, 2023.

What

• Khan's legal counsel and spokesperson, Naeem Panjutha, has filed petitions with the Islamabad High Court concerning the perceived threat to Imran's life while in custody. These petitions are scheduled to be heard on October 5, 2023.

• Panjutha contends that Khan faces a grave threat to his life and is enduring psychological torment at the hands of the government.

• He stated, "Imran Khan can potentially be subjected to slow-poisoning, and he is enduring mental anguish and restricted mobility."

  Imran Khan’s lawyer @NaeemPanjuthaa says that PTI Chairman Imran Khan has been shifted to an even darker and dirtier cell. The cell is so narrow that one cannot even walk in it.
  
  The court must intervene now, the mockery of law has to be stopped. #عمران_خان_کی_جان_کوخطرہ pic.twitter.com/4TTc2gtYRm

  — PTI (@PTIofficial) October 3, 2023

• Panjutha further alleged that concerted efforts are being made to undermine Khan's mental well-being, and his freedom of movement has been curtailed within the confines of Adiala jail.
• Imran Khan was transferred to this lower-class facility from Attock jail in compliance with court orders.
• Previously, Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, had expressed concerns about her husband's safety at Attock jail and had requested his relocation to Adiala jail in Rawalpindi.

Why

• Imran Khan has become a target of the Pakistani government due to his unwavering stance against the ruling coalition of Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and Pakistan People's Party (PPP).
• Khan, who served as Pakistan's Prime Minister until April 2022, has faced 180 legal cases since leaving office.
• His incarceration and disqualification from participating in elections for the next six years stem from one of these cases, known as the Toshakhana case.
• Despite being ousted from office, Khan's popularity has surged significantly, largely driven by his portrayal as a victim of foreign influence in his removal as Pakistan's Prime Minister.
• His political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has garnered substantial public support, leading to widespread belief that PTI would secure a landslide victory in Pakistani elections if they were held fairly.

The bigger picture

• Pakistan is approaching its general elections, scheduled for early next year. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who had been residing in London, is anticipated to return to Pakistan.

• If the coalition of PML-N and PPP secures victory, Nawaz Sharif is expected to be re-elected as Prime Minister.

• Imran Khan's enduring popularity poses a significant challenge to Nawaz Sharif's candidacy, leading to allegations by Khan's wife and legal team that the government is exerting pressure on him to compromise and weaken his resolve.

• These next few months will be pivotal in Pakistan's political landscape as the nation, grappling with financial hardships and poverty, looks ahead to yet another crucial national election.