The federal government has imposed a complete ban on all jail meetings with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, declaring him a security threat. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the decision was taken because Khan was allegedly spreading an “extremist, Taliban-like narrative” from inside the prison.
Tarar, speaking on Geo News, said no visitor political or private would be allowed to meet Khan, adding that strict action would be taken against anyone trying to gather or protest outside the jail. He said officials had reported that political instructions and anti-state messages were being passed during previous meetings.
The announcement came shortly after ISPR DG Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry called Khan a “mentally unstable person” posing a danger to national security.
The information minister accused the PTI founder of harming Pakistan’s stability, claiming he encouraged actions that pushed the country toward default and was responsible for attacks on military sites on May 9. Tarar added that many PTI lawmakers now felt “trapped” by Khan’s politics and no longer supported his narrative.
He further alleged that Khan praised extremists, called Osama bin Laden a martyr, and promoted a “war-driven mindset” that even his own party members were unwilling to tolerate. Tarar said the government was also reviewing the option of imposing governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to the party’s conduct.
Regarding political reconciliation, Tarar made it clear that dialogue with PTI is only possible without Imran Khan. He said PTI members should apologise in Parliament and distance themselves from his statements before any talks can begin.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the interview of Imran Khan’s sister Uzma Khan with Indian media had further damaged the party, describing it as the “final nail in the coffin.” He accused PTI leaders of paying extortion to the Taliban and supporting positions harmful to Pakistan’s national interests.
Asif added that unlike PTI, parties like PPP and PML-N endured severe hardships including executions and assassinations without ever appealing to India or attacking state institutions. He questioned how PTI could speak on national matters while promoting anti-state narratives.
