• Party’s information secretary calls it an ‘unfortunate development’
• IHC has allowed twice-weekly meetings with former prime minister

ISLAMABAD: Amid allegations of internal rifts, no nominated leader of Imran Khan’s party arrived at Adiala jail on the designated meeting day with the party founder.

PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram told Dawn that the party has taken serious notice of the situation and will discuss this “unfortunate development” in a meeting of senior leaders.

It is worth mentioning that the Islamabad High Court has allowed Mr Khan to meet visitors twice a week — on Tuesdays and Thursdays — including family members, lawyers, and associates. Despite this order, the former prime minister has largely been restricted from meeting visitors for several months. Records indicate that, on some occasions, leaders did reach Adiala jail, but the court’s orders were not implemented.

On Wednesday, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja submitted a list of six leaders to the jail administration, requesting permission for them to meet Mr Khan. The nominated leaders included Falak Naz Chitrali, Fazal Elahi, Ehtesham Khan, Sardar Ghulam Ali, Asghar Khan Lehri, Syed Naseebullah Agha, and Chaudhry Javed Akhtar Gujjar.

However, on Thursday, no party leader arrived at Adiala jail before the 4pm meeting deadline.

Ghulam Ali Asghar Khan Lehri, whose name was on the list, confirmed that he was aware of his nomination. However, he said he could not attend because his daughter-in-law was hospitalised in Lahore and had just given birth.

When contacted, Mr Akram reiterated that the matter would be discussed in a party meeting.

“There are thousands of leaders and workers who want to meet Imran Khan. Many workers go to Adiala jail every week, even though they know their names are not on the list and they will not be allowed to meet the founding chairman. We will ensure that those who cannot come to Adiala jail do not submit their names,” he said. He added that strict action would be taken and the issue would be addressed.

It is also worth noting that last week, a list of six leaders — including PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan — was submitted, but none of them went to Adiala jail. In contrast, Mr Khan’s sisters have consistently visited the jail on Tuesdays in an effort to meet their brother.

Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2026