Key Points
- Bushra Bibi’s sister alleges the jail “forced” a hunger strike before allowing family meeting.
- Claims of unsafe cell conditions: leaking ceiling, exposed current in electric board, rats and poisonous insects.
- Prolonged power cuts allegedly led to fainting; health said to have deteriorated with 15kg weight loss.
- Family says repeated requests were needed for visitation; hours-long wait outside jail reported.
- Bushra reportedly denied bail in several cases and not permitted to meet Imran Khan.
New Delhi: A fresh controversy has erupted over the treatment of former Pakistan PM Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, inside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail. Citing an ARY News report, Bushra’s sister, Maryam Riaz Wattu, has alleged that the prison administration compelled Bushra to undertake a hunger strike before allowing a family meeting. The claims have renewed scrutiny of prison conditions and due process for high-profile detainees.
Allegations About Cell Conditions
Maryam alleges that Bushra is being kept in “very difficult and illegal” circumstances:
- Water leakage from the cell ceiling, with rodents reportedly “falling” from above.
- Electric board allegedly carrying live current, posing a shock hazard.
- Presence of rats and “poisonous insects” throughout the cell area.
- Extended electricity outages reportedly up to two consecutive days during which Bushra once fainted before power was restored.
These assertions have amplified concerns about basic safety, hygiene, and the integrity of custodial care for inmates.
Visitation Hurdles And Health Concerns
- Repeated appeals: Maryam says Bushra had to apply for more than a month to secure permission for a family meeting; even then, relatives waited for hours outside the prison before being allowed inside.
- Health deterioration: According to Maryam, Bushra has lost around 15kg and appears “very weak.” She also claims Bushra is served excessively spicy food, aggravating her condition.
- Restricted access: Maryam alleges Bushra has been denied bail in multiple cases and not allowed to meet her husband, PTI founder Imran Khan.
Case Background
Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi remain incarcerated in a raft of corruption and related cases. Imran, arrested in 2023, has consistently rejected the allegations, calling them politically motivated efforts to sideline him from national politics. Their legal teams have repeatedly sought relief and contested trial procedures, while supporters frame the detentions as part of a broader clampdown on opposition politics.
Why This Matters
- Human rights and custodial standards: The allegations if accurate raise serious concerns about inmate welfare, access to medical care, and compliance with prison regulations.
- Due process and fairness: Claims of delayed visitation and denial of bail in multiple cases draw attention to transparency in judicial and administrative decisions.
- Political temperature: With Pakistan’s political climate tense, any maltreatment narrative can escalate domestic and international criticism, affecting public trust in institutions.
What To Watch Next
- Official response: Look for statements from prison authorities or Punjab’s home department addressing the specific claims (cell conditions, power outages, visitation delays).
- Medical evaluation: Independent or court-directed medical assessments could clarify Bushra’s health status and treatment.
- Court interventions: Petitions seeking improved conditions, expedited bail hearings, or visitation rights may follow.
- International scrutiny: Human rights bodies and legal associations may request access or issue advisories if allegations persist.
