Muhammad Irfan 
The True Post (Web News)A senior government minister on Wednesday offered that if Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) submits a formal written request, the party’s founder, Imran Khan, could be shifted from Adiala Jail to his Bani Gala residence.
According to a report published in Dawn News, PTI has responded by saying that the offer could be considered if the government demonstrates genuine seriousness on the matter.
Speaking on a private TV channel, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry suggested that Imran Khan could be moved to Bani Gala, where PTI leaders and his family members would be allowed to meet him regularly.
Later, while talking to Dawn, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry explained that Adiala Jail houses around 8,000 inmates, who are reportedly facing difficulties due to Imran Khan’s political activities and the resulting administrative challenges.
He added, “If PTI submits a request, we are ready to transfer him. At Bani Gala, PTI leaders could meet him freely even play games like Ludo.”
The minister clarified that while Imran Khan cannot be released, the government could declare his Bani Gala residence a sub-jail and move him there. He urged PTI to submit a written request for this transfer.
PTI’s Response
When contacted, senior PTI leader and former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser said that although he was unaware of the offer, the party might consider it if the government is truly serious.
He remarked, “I think the government will eventually backtrack, but if it is serious, we’ll consult our legal team, party leadership, and Imran Khan himself. If Khan Sahib permits, we will submit a formal request.”
Responding to a question, Asad Qaiser noted that Imran Khan has been imprisoned for over two years and is now legally entitled to bail. He added, “If the government is genuinely serious, it should stop pressuring the judiciary and allow the courts to approve his bail.”
He further said the government should, as a goodwill gesture, allow PTI leaders and family members to meet Imran Khan in jail, which could help move the process forward.
It is worth mentioning that in January 2024, Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi surrendered before an accountability court after receiving a 14-year sentence in the Toshakhana case. She was later moved to their Bani Gala residence, which was declared a sub-jail.
However, Bushra Bibi later alleged that she was being poisoned there and approached the Islamabad High Court, which in May 2024 ordered her transfer back to Adiala Jail.
