Imran Khan's Sister Visits Him Amid Legal Developments at Adiala Jail

In a significant development, Noreen Niazi, sister of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, was granted access to meet her brother at Rawalpindi's Adiala jail on Tuesday. This visit follows a Supreme Court ruling that permits Khan weekly family meetings during his incarceration.

Khan, who has been imprisoned since August 5, 2023, for concealing details related to Toshakhana gifts, is currently serving a 14-year sentence as part of a £190 million corruption case known as the Al-Qadir Trust case. Despite an Islamabad High Court order allowing him to meet family twice a week, he had faced restrictions on visitor access for several months.

Noreen's visit marks the first time she has seen Imran this year. The two met in a designated conference room within the jail, where they discussed Khan's health and the Supreme Court's recent directive to arrange a medical checkup at Shifa International Hospital. Meanwhile, other family members, including Khan's sisters Aleema Khanum and Dr. Uzma Khanum, were turned away at a security checkpoint near the jail.

During her visit, Noreen expressed her intention to convey updates regarding the PTI's efforts on her brother's behalf. Meanwhile, Imran's wife, Bushra Bibi, also met with her family in the jail, discussing her health and legal issues in a 40-minute session that included their children.

Aleema Khanum spoke to the media at the checkpoint, emphasizing the need for attention to Khan's health and the importance of family visits. She highlighted that the Supreme Court's order for a medical evaluation had come after persistent appeals from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, asserting that “politics does not trump health.”

The court has ordered the establishment of a medical board to assess Imran Khan's condition, as well as to ensure that he has regular contact with family members. Aleema also called for bail for both Imran and Bushra Bibi, arguing that if Imran received relief, the charges against Bushra should also be reconsidered.

Outside the jail, PTI lawyer Awais Younas Chaudhry expressed hope regarding the potential transfer of Khan to the hospital for urgent care. However, it was reiterated that no public gatherings would be tolerated outside the hospital to ensure Khan's privacy.

This meeting is notable as it comes amid growing concerns over Khan’s health, particularly following reports of an eye condition and claims of mental distress during his detention. Family and party members have repeatedly urged for his immediate transfer to a hospital for necessary treatment.

Source: www.dawn.com