Gov’t reportedly spent Rs550m on Imran Khan’s detention in Adiala Jail

RAWALPINDI: The government has reportedly spent Rs550 million on the detention of former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, the Hum Investigation Team (HIT) has learnt.

The founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) has been incarcerated at the notorious Adiala Jail for around 520 days.

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The expenditure raises questions about the financial burden borne by taxpayers and Imran Khan’s prolonged detention, particularly as he faces over 188 legal cases against him.

The PTI founder has been embroiled in legal troubles since his ouster from the office in April 2022. The former PM is facing legal cases including four investigations by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and twelve inquires by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

There are also over 172 criminal cases registered against Imran Khan across 70 police stations in the country.

Government officials have detailed the costs associated with Imran Khan’s imprisonment. They noted that Rs50 million has been allocated for the salaries of the 26 security guards assigned to his cell.

A further Rs20 million has been spent on improving the conditions surrounding his detention. The security measures in the place are significant, with five operatives from different agencies monitoring the area outside the jail.

According to the research conducted by the HIT, the PTI founder’s monthly expenses for personal necessities and food amount to Rs500,000, while his security costs an additional Rs1.2 million.

His daily food and drink expenses are reported to be Rs32,000, which the government covers.

Despite his incarceration, Imran Khan reportedly maintains over Rs20 million in his bank account. This allows him to manage his expenses while in custody.

The financial burden of Khan’s legal battles extends beyond his personal costs. Officials disclosed that Rs300 million have been spent on the NAB team and prosecutors involved in high-profile cases against him.

The FIA has dedicated over 16 investigators to the twelve cases, incurring an additional Rs50 million in expenses.

Security officials have reportedly spent a whopping Rs100 million on the 172 cases filed against Imran Khan at the police stations across Pakistan.

The former PM’s legal troubles have sparked debate across the nation of 240 million, with supporters claiming that the charges against him are politically motivated.

Meanwhile, critics argue that the government’s significant expenditure on his detention and legal proceedings reflects a broader pattern of political persecution in the country.

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The government has yet to provide a comprehensive breakdown of the expenses incurred during Imran Khan’s time in jail. This has left many to speculate the true cost of his legal battles and the implications for the country’s judicial system.