Tensions are rising inside the PTI as internal rifts over Imran Khan jail meetings have now spilled into public view. Senior lawyer and PTI senator Barrister Ali Zafar expressed disappointment over the remarks made by Salman Akram Raja, who accused certain individuals of misusing access privileges at Adiala Jail.
While speaking to journalists outside the Islamabad High Court, Barrister Zafar called Raja’s statements “unfortunate” and claimed they had sparked an avoidable controversy. Salman Akram Raja alleged that the full bench order of the High Court had been violated. He insisted that a list of six lawyers had been mutually agreed upon, yet none were allowed inside. According to Raja, only “preferred persons” were granted access to Imran Khan jail meetings.
He also clarified that the PTI founder never summoned anyone from jail. Khan’s family reportedly confirmed that he was in good health. Raja added that going forward, only the approved names should be permitted for such meetings.
Barrister Zafar, while addressing the controversy, said that Imran Khan never rejected meeting anyone. He explained that Khan’s legal team regularly visits him, although sometimes names may be missing from the approved list. “Access is granted when names are announced,” Zafar noted. He stressed that meeting the PTI founder was a right, and the party had not restricted anyone from going to Adiala Jail.
The issue flared up further when PTI workers gathered near the jail to protest after being denied access. The demonstration grew unruly. Some protestors hurled stones. The protest was triggered by concerns over limited or selective Imran Khan jail meetings.
Among those briefly detained were Khan’s sisters, Aliya Hamza, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, and several party leaders. They were later released and staged a sit-in nearby.
Jail authorities, however, dismissed all allegations. They called the claims false and politically motivated. Officials maintained that both Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were given regular access to lawyers and family. They also allowed Khan to make WhatsApp calls to his sons overseas.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan also stepped in to clear the air. He denied any restriction on the founder’s sisters from visiting. Speaking to the press, Gohar said, “They were repeatedly called inside but none of them went in.”
He explained that during the 26th Constitutional Amendment session, all parties agreed: if even one name from the approved list was missing, no meetings would take place. Gohar stated that PTI submitted five names, including Raja. Later, only three names were accepted, and Raja’s was left out.
He said objections were raised over Raja not being a member of the National Assembly. On March 25, all three sisters of Imran Khan were denied access, but Gohar emphasized the matter was never raised in the political committee.
He warned against point-scoring within the party. “If the policy is to stop the founder’s sisters, then no one else should be allowed either,” he said firmly.
Gohar also defended Barrister Zafar, calling him a loyal figure who never demanded exclusive access. “He has handled many legal cases for PTI without charging a single rupee,” he added. Zafar was also praised for his cooperation when Shibli Faraz was nominated as Opposition Leader in the Senate.
On the broader political front, Gohar reiterated Imran Khan’s position. He said the PTI founder never shut the door on dialogue with the establishment, underlining Khan’s openness to negotiation despite his imprisonment.
