PTI leaders don’t get to meet Imran

RAWALPINDI: A tense standoff unfolded outside the Adiala jail on Thursday, as leaders from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) were denied meeting with the PTI founder Imran Khan.

The incident ignited a storm of accusations, with the opposition leaders alleging blatant disregard for the court orders and a breakdown of the rule of law.

Speaking to the media near the jail, MWM chief Allama Raja Nasir Abbas delivered a scathing critique of the current state of affairs. “Currently, there is neither a Constitution nor the rule of law in Pakistan,” he declared, asserting that the federation was facing a “severe blow.”

He questioned how a nation of 250 million people could be governed in such a manner and expressed grave concern over Balochistan “slipping out of our hands”.

The MWM leader asserted that court orders were being ignored and the judiciary held no value.

Also, PTI leaders, including Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan, party’s spokesperson Niazullah Niazi and Ahmad Khan Bachhar were among those barred from meeting the former prime minister.

Speaking to the media, Omar Ayub disclosed that he had written a letter to the Adiala jail superintendent, highlighting the scheduled meeting and the prior submission of the visitors’ list.

He emphasized that the Islamabad High Court’s larger bench had issued clear directives regarding such meetings, which were being “continuously violated”. Denying access, he argued, constituted “contempt of court.” He announced to file a contempt plea against the Adiala jail administration for not letting them meet the party founder despite the court orders.

He said the delegation had arrived at the jail before 1pm adding that the Anti-Terrorism Court’s orders in this regard were also disregarded. He further claimed that the jail staff even refused to accept his letter. Khan also alleged mistreatment of the PTI founder’s sisters and arrest of other leaders, claiming their supporters were being held in “illegal custody.”

Regarding the party matters, he downplayed any internal conflicts, asserting unity behind their leader and prioritizing the release of Imran Khan and his wife, along with other arrested leaders.

He also revealed that ATC cases had been registered against him in multiple cities the same day.

PTI spokesperson Niazullah Niazi corroborated the account of denied access, stating that the Islamabad High Court’s order for meetings based on the submitted list was being violated.

He said six leaders were scheduled to meet Imran to discuss the national situation and seek guidance on the KP Mines & Minerals Bill.