Rs1.2m monthly expenditure on Imran in jail, LHC informed

LAHORE: The Punjab advocate general has informed the Lahore High Court that around Rs1.2 million are being spent on the PTI founder in jail.

A petition seeking complete security provisions for the PTI founder in jail was brought before the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday. Chief Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan presided over the hearing of the petition filed by Afzal Azeem Pahat, president of the PTI Lawyers Forum.

The petitioner argued that the jail authorities have imposed restrictions on meetings with the PTI founder for security concerns. The PTI founder faces a life threat in jail; hence, an order should be issued to provide full protection for his life.

During the hearing, the counsel for the petitioner mentioned that the AG had graciously promised to provide updates on this matter.

The AG informed the court that he had gathered the necessary information. He revealed the PTI founder has been kept in a cell with six cells allocated around for security. Additionally, seven cells have been designated for the PTI founder’s use.

The AG said that while there is typically one security guard for every 10 people in Adiala jail, they have deployed 14 security guards specifically for the PTI founder.

Moreover, the PTI founder’s meals are prepared in a special kitchen exclusively for him, with no meals cooked for anyone else in that kitchen.

The counsel for the PTI founder expressed satisfaction with the measures outlined by the AG. The AG said that CCTV cameras have been installed for the PTI founder at Rs500,000 with monthly expenses amounting to Rs1,200,000 being incurred on his security.

PTI counsel Asad Manzoor highlighted that no one is currently allowed to meet the PTI founder, and his wife has filed a petition regarding this matter.

The CJ remarked on the importance of the issue and said that discretion is crucial in such matters, emphasizing that not everyone can be allowed to be involved.

The CJ further expressed respect for petitioner Afzal Pahat and acknowledged the political landscape.

The court adjourned the hearing of the petition seeking full security for the PTI founder in jail until after Eid.