An adviser to former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has sharply criticised the authorities over their handling of the jailed leader, alleging that repeated disregard for judicial directions amounts to not merely contempt but a “complete mockery” of the court. The remarks come amid continuing controversy over Khan’s treatment in custody and restrictions surrounding access to him. His Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has repeatedly accused the authorities of denying the former premier rights and facilities despite court interventions.
Adviser questions authorities
Khan’s adviser accused the Pakistani administration of failing to properly implement court directions concerning the former prime minister and questioned how judicial orders could repeatedly be disregarded without consequences.
The criticism centred on the manner in which authorities have dealt with issues involving Khan’s detention, including meetings with family members, lawyers and political associates. PTI leaders have repeatedly approached courts seeking enforcement of access granted to the incarcerated former premier.
The adviser argued that failure to follow such directions raised broader questions about respect for judicial authority and the rule of law in Pakistan. The matter, he maintained, had moved beyond an individual dispute involving Khan and had become an institutional issue.
PTI raises custody concerns
Khan has remained at the centre of Pakistan’s political turmoil since his removal from office in 2022. His subsequent imprisonment in multiple cases has intensified confrontation between PTI and the country’s political and security establishment.
The party has repeatedly alleged that restrictions imposed on Khan are politically motivated and intended to isolate him from supporters and party leaders. Pakistani authorities have rejected accusations of political persecution and maintained that legal proceedings against the former prime minister are being conducted according to law.
Disputes over visits and communication have nevertheless continued, with PTI leaders alleging that even court-sanctioned meetings have faced obstacles.
Political tensions persist
The latest criticism comes as Pakistan remains deeply divided over Khan’s incarceration and the legal cases against him. Despite being behind bars, the former prime minister continues to wield substantial political influence, while PTI remains a major force in the country’s opposition landscape.
His supporters have repeatedly staged demonstrations demanding his release, while the government has maintained that decisions concerning his cases rest with the courts.
The fresh allegations are likely to intensify scrutiny of how judicial orders concerning Khan are being implemented. For PTI, the issue has become part of its wider argument that state institutions are being used to restrict the former premier and his political movement, while the government continues to reject that characterisation.