ISLAMABAD: The Isla­mabad High Court has been urged in a petition to release former prime minister Imran Khan on par­ole after a petition filed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur claimed the PTI founder’s life is at risk due to potential drone str­i­kes targeting Adiala Jail.

The plea, citing heightened hostilities with India and a national emergency says that Mr Khan’s de­­tention in the Rawal­pindi facility makes him a pri­me target for cross-border aggression.

It referenced recent drone attacks across Pakistani cities and warns Adiala Jail could be “a potential target” to eliminate the former prime minister thereby destabilising Pakistan during a critical security crisis.

“Mr Modi views Mr Imran Khan as India’s biggest enemy... Central Jail Adiala is a potential target to take out Imran Khan and leave the Pakistani nation in further disarray.”

“His release is critical to foster national unity and amplify Pakistan’s stance against Indian aggression on the world stage,” the petition said.

Mr Khan, detained since August 2023, faces multiple charges, including a conviction in 190m corruption case and pending trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act in connection with May 9, 2023, violent protests.

The petition says these cases are politically motivated and lack credible evidence. It further highlights Mr Khan’s declining health and claims prolonged incarceration violates his constitutional rights to liberty and a fair trial. Published in Dawn, May 10th, 2025