Ex-prison official held for allegedly aiding Imran Khan

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: Law enforcement agencies have detained a former deputy superintendent of Punjab prisons, Muhammad Akram, on suspicion of facilitating imprisoned former Prime Minister leader Imran Khan, local media reported on Wednesday.

Akram’s detention comes amid heightened tensions following the arrest of retired Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, former head of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), on charges of violating the Army Act. A Field General Court Martial has been initiated against Hameed.

Punjab prisons authorities declined to comment, while local police denied involvement in the arrest.

Newspapers reported that Akram was picked up from a jail colony and had faced an inquiry into alleged secret messaging on behalf of Khan, who has been imprisoned for over a year.

Akram was removed from his post at Central Jail Adiala on June 20, with Tahir Saddique Shah replacing him as security supervisor for Khan.

Law enforcement agencies are interrogating Akram, alleging he secretly conveyed messages from Khan outside the prison facility.

Khan, 71, has been imprisoned for over a year, facing multiple charges, including the Toshakhana case, cipher case, and the un-Islamic marriage case. His wife, Bushra Bibi, has also been imprisoned for months.

No official statement has been released regarding Akram’s detention or the allegations against him.