Barrister Gohar Questions Government for Denying Access to Imran Khan Despite Invitation

RAWALPINDI: Barrister Gohar Khan and Salman Akram Raja arrived at Adiala Jail to meet Imran Khan following government instructions, but the meeting was not allowed. The leaders criticized the authorities, saying that if the government calls them for a meeting and they arrive, denying access is “illegal and unconstitutional.”

Speaking to media after returning from the jail, Barrister Gohar said that everyone wants verified information about Imran Khan’s health and that they came to see the condition of his eyes firsthand. He stated that the refusal to allow the meeting has created a national crisis, and that had the meeting taken place, the true situation would have been clear.

Gohar explained that since February 2025, PTI leadership’s access had been blocked, and that their primary demand was to have Imran Khan transferred to Shifa International Hospital and to allow family and personal doctors to see him. He rejected claims that the lawyers refused to visit, emphasizing that they had come in good faith and the government had confirmed access.

Salman Akram Raja added that as legal representatives with ongoing Supreme Court and High Court cases, it is their fundamental right to meet Imran Khan and receive instructions, but this right was denied. He stressed that the PTI founder has the right to meet his family and share information, and family members also have the right to communicate with the outside world.

Gohar also highlighted that family or personal doctors were not allowed during medical examinations, which is essential for transparency. He said that merely having a political leader or lawyer present is insufficient; the presence of family ensures trust and clarity.

Before leaving for the jail, Gohar warned that the denial of meetings had escalated health concerns unnecessarily. He said the state has a duty to ensure the well-being of Imran Khan in custody and criticized uncertainty around scheduled visits, calling it unacceptable.

Responding to remarks by Ali Amin Gandapur, Gohar urged party leaders to avoid statements that could be misinterpreted by the public, while praising those who genuinely try to facilitate access.