In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders have decried the refusal of Adiala Jail officials to facilitate a court-approved meeting with former Prime Minister Imran Khan, labeling it a direct assault on judicial authority. The incident, which unfolded on Thursday, has sparked outrage among party leaders who accuse intelligence operatives of overstepping their mandate.
Shibli Faraz, the Senate’s Opposition Leader, minced no words during a fiery press conference outside the prison. “This isn’t just an insult to us—it’s a slap in the face of the judiciary itself,” he declared. “When court orders are trampled, it’s the judges’ honor, not ours, that’s at stake. They must act to safeguard their institution.” Faraz emphasized that the defiance of legal directives by jail authorities sets a dangerous precedent.
Omar Ayub, the National Assembly’s Opposition Leader, echoed the sentiment, revealing the frustration of waiting four hours in vain. “We followed protocol, notified the jail staff repeatedly, yet an intelligence officer stonewalled us,” he said. Ayub pointed to the court’s ruling, which explicitly mandated the meeting, and accused the administration of flouting constitutional norms. “Their focus should be hunting terrorists, not playing gatekeeper to Imran Khan,” he quipped, linking the incident to broader intelligence lapses hampering security in Balochistan.
Sahibzada Hamid Raza of the Sunni Ittehad Council called the jail officials’ actions a mockery of justice. “This isn’t just disobedience—it’s a signal that the powerful think they’re untouchable,” he warned, promising repercussions. Meanwhile, PTI spokesperson Niazullah Niyazi announced plans to file a contempt petition. “Imran Khan’s survival is tied to this nation’s future. Ignoring the court raises grave doubts about judicial credibility,” he asserted.
The standoff has ignited a firestorm, with PTI vowing to escalate their fight as the clash between state authorities and the judiciary intensifies.
