Imran Khan Claims Military Trial Overseen by ISI in Jail

Lahore, Sep 17 (PTI) Pakistan's imprisoned former prime minister, Imran Khan, alleged on Wednesday that he is undergoing a military trial inside jail. The trial is not being handled by a civilian judge but by an officer from the ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence), who reportedly takes orders directly from Army Chief Asim Munir. The 72-year-old ex-cricketer-turned-politician has been incarcerated for over two years facing multiple cases. He is currently held at Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi.

"My so-called trial in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi, is not under the jurisdiction of a judge but conducted by an ISI Colonel," Khan posted on X, highlighting that the officer follows directives from the Army Chief, Gen Asim Munir. He argued that it is essentially a military trial, not a civilian proceeding. The ISI is Pakistan's renowned spy agency.

Khan accused the authorities of running affairs under what he termed “Asim Law”, claiming the Constitution and legal system are in disarray. He stated that over 300 fabricated charges have been filed against him. His comments came a day after the Federal Investigation Agency's Cyber Crimes Wing launched an inquiry into the management of Khan's social media account for allegedly promoting an "anti-state narrative."

"I will attain justice from the courts without compromising," he declared, asserting that he and his wife “would be released today if cases were decided on merit". Khan referenced an alleged proposal from the establishment, granting freedom in exchange for certain concessions. He reiterated previous claims about his jail treatment, pointing to human rights violations, the denial of basic amenities, and limited communication with his children, only allowed once in eight months.

"The judges in my cases lack independent authority and merely follow orders from a Colonel under Gen Asim Munir," Khan stated, calling on his party to remain unified. "This oppressive regime cannot persist indefinitely. Everyone should retweet posts from my account as a demonstration of solidarity," he urged. Khan encouraged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leaders to organize a significant public rally in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where citizens nationwide can unite against the challenges facing Pakistan.

Khan's party previously orchestrated similar protests in Punjab province. The Express Tribune reported that a three-member team from FIA cybercrime in Islamabad, led by Ayaz Khan, visited Adiala Jail on Tuesday to interrogate Khan regarding his X handle. Investigators inquired about the account operator, its access points, and whether the PTI founder had granted others permission to use it, the newspaper cited sources.

They questioned Khan's awareness of content deemed "anti-state" that was posted from the account. "My X account, who uses it—I will not disclose," Khan reportedly told the team.

Last week, Khan's son, Kasim Khan, took to social media, asserting that his father is imprisoned for championing democracy. "Imran Khan is in solitary confinement, denied access to healthcare, and restricted from meeting his legal counsel and family," he shared. "Simultaneously, family members and numerous supporters are being abducted or brought before military courts," Kasim explained. "This is not justice; it is political retribution. Pakistan’s democracy is under threat, and I urge all who uphold human rights and democracy to support us, ensuring the people's voice is restored along with the rule of law," he concluded.

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