In a fiery confrontation with the government, Omar Ayub, the Leader of the Opposition in Pakistan’s National Assembly, has accused authorities of barring Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan from performing Eid prayers. Ayub raised the issue after he and a delegation of PTI leaders were denied a meeting with Khan at Adiala Jail on Thursday, despite a court order permitting it, according to Express News.
The delegation, which included Ayub, Senator Shibli Faraz, PTI spokesperson Niazullah Niazi, and Aliya Hamza, arrived at the jail around 4 pm, only to be turned away. The party’s secretary, Salman Akram Raja, had already submitted a list of visitors to the jail administration, but officials refused to honor the judicial directive. Speaking to reporters outside the facility, Ayub condemned the decision, stating, “Even with a court order in place, we were denied access to PTI’s founder. This is a blatant violation of his rights.”
Ayub went further, alleging that Khan has been isolated from his family, including his children and sisters, for over two months. He questioned the government’s actions, asking, “How can Pakistan claim to be an Islamic state when its former leader is denied the right to pray on Eid? This is an outrage and a disgrace to our values.”
The opposition leader also criticized the government for flouting judicial rulings, calling on judges to enforce their decisions or step down. “If court orders mean nothing, what’s the point of a judiciary?” he remarked. Senator Shibli Faraz echoed these sentiments, warning that ignoring legal mandates undermines the nation’s credibility. “A country that picks and chooses which laws to follow is no country at all,” he said.
Claims of Mistreatment Intensify
PTI’s Aliya Hamza added fuel to the fire, alleging that Khan is enduring inhumane treatment in custody. “Our former prime minister is being fed stale food, cut off from newspapers and TV, and denied contact with his wife and family,” she told the media. Hamza argued that Khan’s punishment stems not from any crime but from his refusal to yield to the establishment, contrasting his plight with the preferential treatment afforded to other political figures.
Despite internal party rumors, Hamza insisted PTI remains united in its mission. “Our fight is for justice, democracy, and the release of our leader. We won’t relent,” she vowed, signaling the party’s resolve amid mounting challenges.
