New washroom with five-foot wall constructed for Imran Khan in Attock jail. Here's why

A new washroom with a five-foot wall has been constructed for former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at Attock Jail, courtesy of the Punjab Prisons Department (PPD). Imran Khan, leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, had expressed dissatisfaction with the unsanitary conditions in his cell, prompting his lawyers to take action.

After a visit to the jail premises, Additional District Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Shafqat Ullah Khan confirmed the legitimacy of Khan's concerns. Just a few days ago, Khan had also complained about the presence of mosquitoes in his cell, causing significant distress.

The Punjab Prisons Department (PPD) spokesperson announced on Tuesday that a new washroom, complete with a five-foot wall and a door, has been constructed for the PTI chief. The spokesperson stated, "The washroom's walls stand at five feet in height, and a door has been installed." Additionally, the spokesperson informed that the washroom now features a Western-style commode and a washbasin, as reported by Geo TV.

The CCTV controversy

In addition to the washroom issue, Imran Khan raised concerns about a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) camera positioned directly in front of his cell. Khan argued that the cameras, situated five to six feet away and even covering his bathroom, infringed upon his privacy.

The PPD spokesperson refuted the accusation of privacy violation, clarifying that the cameras were installed for Khan's security. "Over 4,000 CCTV cameras have been placed not only in District Jail Attock but also in other Punjab jails for security reasons," the spokesperson stated.

Regarding Khan's living conditions, the spokesperson noted that amenities such as soap, perfume, air freshener, towels, and sanitary paper have been provided. Furthermore, Khan's cell is equipped with a bed, pillow, exhaust fan, air conditioner, tables, chairs, and mattresses. The spokesperson also revealed that Khan has access to fruits, honey, a prayer mat, and a Quran within the cell.

Concerns raised by Bushra Bibi

Imran Khan's third wife, Bushra Bibi, expressed apprehension about his safety while in detention. She called for Khan's transfer from Attock Jail to District Jail Rawalpindi, citing the possibility of poisoning due to his vulnerable position. In a letter addressed to the Punjab home secretary on August 17, Bushra Bibi pointed out that Khan had been attacked twice before, emphasizing the threat to his life.

Amidst Khan's party's concerns about his treatment within the jail, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) asserted that they are providing Khan with all the facilities he has requested.

Upcoming hearing

Imran Khan's appeal challenging the Islamabad High Court's ruling against him is scheduled for tomorrow (August 23) at the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

The petition will be heard by Chief Justice of Pakistan, Umar Ata Bandial, alongside judges Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel.

Khan had received a three-year jail sentence on August 3 from Additional Sessions Judge Humayun Dilawar in the Toshakhana case.

Also read: What is the Toshakhana case that has been haunting Imran Khan?