Imran Khan offered to shift to Bani Gala?

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Wednesday revealed that the government has offered to shift Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan from Adiala jail to his residence in Bani Gala, provided the party submits a written request in this regard.

Speaking on HUM News’ current affairs programme “Faisala Aap Ka”, the minister said the incarcerated PTI leader currently meets his family members as well as his legal team while being held at Adiala jail, Rawalpindi.

“If there is any obstacle in meeting him, we will review it. We are ready to shift the PTI founder to Bani Gala; his party should apply,” Chaudhry remarked.

He noted that there are about 8,500 prisoners in Adiala jail, adding, “It’s not only Imran Khan who is serving incarceration there.”

Chaudhry went on to say that the government is “ready to facilitate” Khan’s transfer if a formal request is received, adding light-heartedly that at Bani Gala, “PTI leaders may then meet and play Ludo with him and other games day and night.”

The minister further clarified that this is not a new offer, saying, “I have repeatedly mentioned the proposal to shift Imran Khan to Bani Gala on your programme.”

In response, PTI lawmaker and former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser told Dawn that the party would “consider the offer if the government takes it seriously.” He added that PTI will discuss the proposal internally and respond accordingly if Imran Khan approves it, though he expressed doubt about the government’s sincerity.

According to sources, officials familiar with the matter said that any relocation would require the Punjab Home Department’s approval and could face legal or procedural challenges, given that Adiala jail falls under provincial jurisdiction.

Notably, PTI founder’s spouse Bushra Bibi had surrendered to an accountability court in January 2024 after being sentenced to 14 years in prison in the Toshakhana case. At that time, she was moved to the couple’s Bani Gala residence, which was declared a sub-jail. However, she later alleged she was being poisoned there and subsequently petitioned the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to be shifted back to Adiala Jail.