LAHORE – Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari has accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of deliberately crafting a narrative of victimhood to undermine state institutions and evade legal accountability. In a strong statement, Bukhari claimed that former Prime Minister Imran Khan is receiving “unmatched facilities” in jail and is in constant contact with his party, media, and legal teams.

“The strategy is well rehearsed — to mislead the public through claims of abduction, abuse, and persecution, while in reality, Imran Khan continues to enjoy privileges not seen by any other prisoner,” Bukhari stated.

According to official records, Imran Khan has been provided a seven-cell unit in jail, complete with an exercise cycle, television, newspapers, and books. These facilities far exceed those typically allowed under Class B prisoner status.

Bukhari further alleged that Imran Khan remains actively involved in political decision-making. “He is in constant communication with national and international media. His X (formerly Twitter) account has posted over 400 times since his imprisonment, addressing every major development including the 2024 general elections, PTI’s Islamabad protests, and legislative updates.”

She also revealed that Imran Khan’s statements continue to make headlines in prominent newspapers, with 45 front-page appearances over the past year alone. Furthermore, Khan has given interviews to multiple international outlets such as Fox News, Reuters, ITV, and The Telegraph — access not typically granted to convicted individuals.

Addressing PTI’s legal narrative, Bukhari stated that all cases against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were filed according to the law. “Despite delays by his defence team, trial courts gave generous time and fair hearing. In several cases, verdicts were suspended or overturned, proving due process was followed.”

Bukhari also confirmed that Imran Khan has regular meetings with party leaders, lawyers, and family members. In the past three months alone, 66 individuals have visited him in jail. “His sons in the UK are also contacted by phone, although insiders suggest they sometimes decline his calls due to personal commitments.”

She concluded, “The claims of political persecution are baseless. This is a deliberate attempt to convert legal accountability into political drama — an effort to undermine public trust in Pakistan’s justice system.”