ISLAMABAD: Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar has assured that the original notification concerning the Chief of Defence will be issued soon. During a press conference alongside Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, he addressed the ongoing discussions about meetings involving Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan while he is in jail.
Tarar explained that Adiala Jail is located in Punjab, where the government is in power, allowing meetings to be held in accordance with jail regulations. He stated that, under Rule 265, inmates are permitted one meeting each week, totalling six meetings per month, and can send one letter per week. However, political discussions are prohibited under jail rules, which also restrict the release of meeting details to the public.
He emphasised that Imran Khan, as a convicted criminal, is not allowed unsupervised visits. According to Rule 557, if the jail superintendent deems a meeting inappropriate or has concerns about maintaining peace and order, that meeting can be stopped.
Tarar noted that the laws currently in place have existed for decades. He recalled a time when a judge suspended certain rules regarding meetings, allowing Nawaz Sharif to have visits while in Adiala Jail, although he did not receive the same privileges while at Kot Lakhpat Jail. He reiterated that a Supreme Court decision had addressed the inability to grant permission for meetings to a convicted criminal, which led to Imran Khan’s removal from the presidential post.
Additionally, he highlighted that Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz were not permitted to meet despite being in the same jail facility, while he and another lawyer received a one-hour weekly meeting under strict conditions, including a formal agreement not to disclose details afterwards.
Referencing Imran Khan’s past comments as Prime Minister, Tarar remarked on Khan’s public statements about making jail conditions more comfortable.
In response to a question regarding the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister’s remarks on cabinet formation, Tarar stated that the opposition claims to seek justice but often fails to remain within legal boundaries. He warned that any attempts to break jail rules or incite unrest would result in a strong response from the state.
The Law Minister confirmed that the process for the Chief of Defence’s notification is ongoing and is under the Prime Minister’s guidance, with the President set to make the initial appointment of the Chief of Defence. He dismissed the current controversy as exaggerated, asserting clarity in Article 245 as well as in the Air Force, Army, and Naval Acts concerning the appointment of the Army Chief.
Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar commented on Imran Khan’s conviction in a £190 million corruption case and noted that PTI female leaders have made alarming statements to Indian and Afghan media regarding Khan’s safety. He stated that Imran Khan enjoys additional privileges in jail that no previous prisoner has had, such as access to a bicycle, and refuted claims that he was deprived of air conditioning. He accused these individuals of spreading disinformation in international media to tarnish Pakistan’s image. Tarar also mentioned that Khan’s three sisters were observed near the Corps Commander’s House in Lahore on May 9, lending credibility to claims of their political involvement. He reiterated that discussions involving political issues during inmate visits are strictly prohibited.
He asserted that if any political conversations occur following a meeting, they may lead to a ban on future visits, and emphasised that if the law and order situation outside the prison deteriorates, appropriate measures will be taken.
Tarar further claimed that messages undermining the army and the army chief are being sent from within the jail, indicating a sense of despair among Khan’s supporters. He noted that during Khan’s time in office, numerous mothers, sisters, and daughters were detained.
He criticised the motives behind discussions in jail that aim to undermine the state, stating that the state has successfully defended itself against India and strengthened its borders. The Information Minister stressed that those wishing for the country’s defence to weaken and its economy to suffer act purely out of self-interest. He pointed out improvements in the economy and stabilisation of foreign exchange reserves during the current government’s tenure, asserting that the opposition’s focus is solely on personal gain rather than the nation’s welfare. He condemned any actions that prioritise personal interests above those of the country, stating that this will not be tolerated.
