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Sunday October 20, 2024

Barrister Saif condemns ‘inhuman’ treatment to Imran in jail

Saif said that Imran Khan had been cut off from outside world, in what appeared to be a deliberate attempt to inflict mental and physical duress

By Bureau report
October 20, 2024
This combo of images shows, Adviser to Chief Minister on Information and Public Relations Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif (left) and PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan (right). — X/ @BaristerDrSaif/AFP/File
This combo of images shows, Adviser to Chief Minister on Information and Public Relations Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif (left) and PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan (right). — X/ @BaristerDrSaif/AFP/File

PESHAWAR: Adviser to Chief Minister on Information and Public Relations Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif on Saturday condemned the “inhumane and unlawful” treatment being meted out to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan during his detention.

In a statement, Barrister Saif disclosed that Imran Khan had been held in solitary confinement for the last 14 days in a small, isolated cell, where he had been deprived of basic human rights, including access to electricity.

He added that Imran Khan had been cut off from the outside world, in what appeared to be a deliberate attempt to inflict mental and physical duress.

“This kind of treatment is unacceptable by any standard, not only because it targets Imran Khan personally, but because it undermines the mandate given to him by the people of Pakistan,” said Barrister Saif.

He called upon Human Rights Watch and other international human rights bodies to take immediate notice of these violations and raise the issue at a global level.

He urged international organizations to intervene and highlight the human rights violations being carried out against a former Prime Minister of Pakistan.

He went on to criticize the federal government for employing oppressive tactics to prolong its rule.

“This illegitimate government is resorting to cruel and tyrannical measures to suppress one of the most popular leaders in Pakistan’s history. We will ensure that every act of injustice is brought to light, and we will not rest until Imran Khan is freed,” he added.

The CM aide said that Imran Khan had been intentionally kept uninformed about current events, with no access to communication or updates regarding the country’s political situation—something that Barrister Saif termed “unacceptable in a democratic nation.”

He expressed concerns over proposed constitutional amendments being introduced by the government without transparency. He criticized the government for enacting these amendments without public scrutiny, calling them an assault on the independence of the judiciary. “The PTI will resist these unconstitutional moves at every level,” he vowed.

He maintained that the current rulers neither represented the will of the people nor respected their mandate, asserting that this government was installed through a foreign-backed conspiracy. “The public is now fully aware that Imran Khan is the only solution to Pakistan’s ongoing crises,” Barrister Saif remarked.

He declared that the party would continue its struggle until Imran Khan’s release was secured and justice was served. “Under Imran Khan’s leadership, PTI remains the last hope for Pakistan. We will not rest until he is freed,” he asserted.

Barrister Saif warned that politics must remain confined to political institutions and non-political forces should keep their distance from governance matters.

“We stand shoulder to shoulder with our leader Imran Khan, and no amount of repression can destroy a movement that has reached its climax,” he maintained.