ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The federal government on Saturday rejected allegations of solitary confinement, mistreatment, restricted family access and inadequate medical care of incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, saying his detention and treatment are being governed by prison rules, court directions and security arrangements.
In a detailed statement sent to CNN, the government said Imran Khan was not being held under executive detention but was imprisoned following convictions by competent courts after judicial proceedings.
The statement was followed by a video interview of Imran’s close aide Zulfi Bukhari to CNN, who made the allegations that the government violated the apex court’s categorical orders.
“Imran Khan’s family, political party and fellow cricket players are sounding the alarm over his deteriorating health in prison,” the report added. However, the government dismissed the claims in a written statement to the US broadcaster.
“His imprisonment is governed by the Pakistan Prison Rules, applicable judicial directions and security arrangements appropriate to a high-profile prisoner,” the statement said.
The government added that visits, telephone calls, reading material and television access are provided in accordance with prison rules, court directions and necessary security arrangements.
“The convicted prisoner is also permitted home-cooked food and exercise equipment and is provided appropriate dietary facilities. His accommodation includes an exclusive seven-cell compound with sleeping, sanitation and exercise facilities. He receives separately prepared meals, including meat, chicken, fruit, milk, nuts, juices and bottled water,” it added.
