LAHORE – Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari strongly dismissed allegations that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz plays any role in arranging or influencing meetings between prisoners and visitors. The response came after KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi claimed that political interference was driving the approval of jail meetings.
Azma clarified that Punjab’s prison system operates strictly under established jail rules, with the superintendent holding the final authority to permit or deny visits. She stressed that political meetings are completely barred, and only individuals listed by inmates themselves are allowed access.
She pointed out that no authority, including the provincial government, can compel a prisoner to accept a visitor. “If a prisoner refuses to meet anyone, the jail administration cannot enforce such a meeting,” she said.
Addressing perceptions that certain inmates are receiving preferential treatment, Azma revealed that Imran Khan has been allowed meetings twice weekly, adding up to 420 sessions with lawyers and 189 with family members. She noted that Bushra Bibi’s family requests are also processed independently in line with procedure.
Azma also criticised Afridi, suggesting that he levelled accusations without understanding basic legal frameworks. She accused him of siding with “individuals convicted for the May 9 attacks” and warned that such statements appear aimed at pressuring officials and creating political narratives without evidence.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.