Web Desk (MNN); Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Friday warned that strict action would be taken against anyone staging protests outside Adiala jail, where PTI founder Imran Khan is incarcerated, saying that “the gloves are off”.
His remarks came hours after ISPR Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry delivered a strongly worded press conference criticising Imran Khan for promoting what he described as an anti-army narrative.
In recent days, several PTI leaders and supporters have held demonstrations outside Adiala jail. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi staged a sit-in after being denied a meeting with Imran for the eighth time, while Imran’s sisters also staged multiple sit-ins following restrictions on their meetings with the former prime minister.
Speaking on Geo News programme Naya Pakistan, Tarar said that anyone creating a law and order disturbance outside the jail would face arrests and legal proceedings.
“If anyone tries to create a law and order situation outside the jail, they will be dealt with very harshly. The gloves are off,” he said.
He alleged that during a recent visit, Uzma violated prison regulations by engaging in political discussion with Imran Khan, which is prohibited under jail rules. He said she would not be permitted further meetings.
He noted that only matters related to well-being and legal issues are allowed under prison guidelines, and that the jail superintendent had formally reported the violation. Tarar added that Uzma had claimed Imran was “angry and frustrated” after their meeting, which he interpreted as a sign that the PTI founder saw no political way forward and no escape from the £190 million corruption case verdict.
Tarar also referred to Imran as “mentally ill”.
Commenting on the ISPR DG’s earlier briefing, Tarar said he endorsed the military spokesperson’s statements on behalf of the government and reiterated that Imran Khan posed a threat to the country. He accused PTI of hoping for economic collapse, writing to the IMF to block financial assistance, and causing instability.
He again referred to the May 9 incidents, saying PTI supporters had vandalised state property nationwide, including monuments dedicated to martyred soldiers.
On Thursday, the federal government formally barred Uzma and others who violated prison rules from future meetings with Imran. Addressing a joint press conference with Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Attaullah Tarar said: “There is no space in prison rules for political conversations, and since this was reported, meetings for Uzma Khan are now banned.”
He added that reports had surfaced of efforts to incite sentiment against the state and its officials. Meetings would be prohibited for anyone violating the prison code, he said, adding that individuals should not be allowed to hold meetings and then promote “Indian and Afghan narratives” or orchestrate posts targeting the military and its leadership.
