Finally, Imran Khan speaks to sons on phone from the Adiala Jail
In compliance with court directives, incarcerated PTI Chairman Imran Khan was allowed Saturday to talk to sons on telephone from Adiala Jail.
According to sources, the emotional exchange left both of Khan’s sons – Qasim and Sulaiman deeply moved.
During the call, the former prime minister was observed smiling and offering words of consolation to his sons in an effort to uplift their spirits.
According to sources in the jail, this special telephonic interaction took place via WhatsApp, commencing at 4:30pm and lasting until 5:00pm. The arrangement was made in accordance with the orders of Special Court Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain.
It’s worth noting that the same judge had issued the order on Wednesday, permitting Imran Khan to engage in telephonic conversations with his sons, who reside in the United Kingdom with the former PM’s ex-wife, Jemima Goldsmith.
The application for this arrangement had been submitted by the PTI chief through his counsel, Shiraz Ahmed Ranjha.
Imran Khan is currently detained at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail and is facing trial under the Official Secrets Act, 1923. He is accused of allegedly misusing a diplomatic cypher during his last days as prime minister.
Prior to his incarceration at Adiala Jail, Imran had been held at Attock Jail after his conviction in the Toshakhana case on August 5. Subsequently, the Islamabad High Court suspended his sentence, but he was not released and was shifted to Adiala Jail due to his judicial remand in the cypher case under the Official Secrets Act.
Notably, the Superintendent of the jail had initially refused to allow Imran Khan to communicate with his sons, citing the prohibition of phone calls for individuals charged under the Official Secrets Act, as per the jail manual. However, the court emphasized the need for the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to be provided for arranging such telephonic conversations, and the matter was to be discussed once the SOPs were received.
Imran Khan’s counsel raised concerns about the delay in providing the SOPs.
78th Indonesian Independence & Armed Forces Day celebrated
The Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia Adam M. Tugio hosted a grand reception, during the week, to mark the 78th Anniversary of the Independence and the Armed Forces Day of Indonesia. The reception was attended by a large number of government dignitaries, diplomats and eminent members of civil society. The Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research Dr. Kauser Abdullah Malik was the Chief Guest while Vice Admiral Abdul Samad was the Guest of Honor on the occasion.
Dr. Kauser Abdullah Malik in his remarks expressed satisfaction with the growing momentum of bilateral cooperation and suggested further expansion and diversification in multiple areas of interest.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Ambassador Adam highlighted significant achievements of modern and developing Indonesia as the world’s largest democracy, a G-20 member with trillion dollar economy and its strong commitment to contribute for world peace and security with an inclusive approach.
He said that Indonesian National Armed Forces Day are an integral part of this consistent struggle for a more progressive and prosperous Indonesia with their motto of ‘Three services, One Determination’, reflecting strong spirit of mutual cooperation among three military services.
Talking about Indonesia-Pakistan relations, he said the growing two-way ties are a good example of multi-dimensional constructive engagement and productive cooperation.
He deeply appreciated support and cooperation of Pakistan as a valued friend in South Asia during course of Indonesian progress and expected enhanced strategic engagement for the mutual benefit of both countries in the future.
The Ambassador gladly pointed out that mutual fascination for each other’s culture has grown in recent years, which is reflected by the display of Indonesian Batik with Pakistani traditional design of motif in the reception.
The special feature of the reception was an entertaining performance by Indonesian artists from Padang, West Sumatra Province of Indonesia, reflecting the diversity and charm of Indonesian culture.
The Embassy of Azerbaijan in Pakistan renewed & enriched the Azerbaijan Study Center & Heydar Aliyev Corner operating in the National Library of Pakistan.
At the event organized on this occasion, during the week, Ambassador Khazar Farhadov spoke about the great work done by the National Leader of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev for the protection of independence and development of Azerbaijan, the visionary policy of President Ilham Aliyev, and the liberation of our territories from Armenian occupation under his leadership, as well as the Azerbaijan-Pakistan relations and Western Azerbaijan Community.