KP Governor Kundi Calls for Shifting Imran Khan Out of Adiala Jail

CHINIOT: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Thursday called on the government to shift incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to a prison in another city or province, citing what he described as persistent inconvenience caused by daily protests staged by PTI supporters near the jail.

Addressing a press conference at Rajoa House in Chiniot, Governor Kundi said that the regular presence of PTI workers outside Adiala Jail had disrupted routine life in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. He argued that these demonstrations had also created difficulties during visits by foreign dignitaries to the federal capital.

“Whenever any foreign dignitary arrives, PTI workers threaten to shut down Islamabad and Peshawar or stage long protest processions,” he said, adding that such actions projected a negative image at a time when Pakistan was seeking to strengthen diplomatic and trade ties with other countries.

Referring to Pakistan’s improved international standing following what he described as a successful military confrontation with India in May, Mr Kundi said the country was now receiving visiting heads of state. However, he claimed that protests near Adiala Jail continued to undermine these efforts. He alleged that even visitors from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa travelling to Islamabad often gathered outside the jail to hold press conferences.

The governor urged Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to relocate Imran Khan to another prison, either within Punjab or in a different province, arguing that this would help protect other inmates and ease difficulties faced by residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. He also criticised the KP government, claiming that its leadership focused more on visiting Adiala Jail than on addressing governance and development issues in the province.

Mr Kundi further alleged that the Punjab government was not fully implementing jail rules, claiming that facilities such as gym access were being provided to the former prime minister that were not available to other prisoners.

You May Also Like: IHC judge accuses chief justice of bias, approaches FCC and SJC

During the press conference, the governor also commented on other national issues. He welcomed the KP government’s policy shift regarding the repatriation of illegal Afghan immigrants, saying Pakistan had hosted millions of Afghans for decades and it was now time for them to return. He linked security concerns to the presence of undocumented migrants, though such claims have been contested by rights groups.

Responding to a question about a so-called “Minus Imran Khan” formula, Mr Kundi claimed that some PTI leaders themselves wanted the party founder sidelined. He also criticised the National Accountability Bureau, alleging it had become a tool for coercion through plea bargains.

The governor further claimed that several members of the KP Assembly were proclaimed offenders and questioned why law enforcement agencies had not taken action. He also criticised PTI’s alliances, saying the party relied on external figures due to a lack of internal leadership.

No response from the PTI or the Punjab government was immediately available.