RAWALPINDI: The former deputy superintendent of Punjab prisons, who was transferred out of Central Jail Adiala in June this year, has been taken into custody by law-enforcement agencies on charges of ‘facilitating PTI founder as a messenger’, sources said on Wednesday.

The arrest is being considered an important development as it comes two days after the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced the arrest of retired Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, the former head of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), on charges of violating the Army Act. The process of Field General Court Martial has been initiated against him.

According to jail sources, transferred Central Jail Rawalpindi deputy superintendent (Executive) Malik Mohammad Akram and two other officials have been taken to an undisclosed location for interrogation. The investigation focuses on his alleged role in facilitating communication between Imran Khan and his supporters, including political figures, retired officials and others holding sensitive positions.

Sources claim that Akram provided Imran with a mobile phone, enabling him to maintain his contact with national and international allies and receive confidential information regarding government actions against him. “Akram was a key figure in the connection between Imran Khan and his network,” a source disclosed, adding that security agencies have informed the Inspector General (IG) of Prisons about Akram’s unlawful activities.
Punjab Inspector General of Prisons Mian Farooq Nazir did not respond to a request for comment. Local police have also denied making any such arrest.

Sources said that Adiala Jail’s former deputy superintendent was picked up from jail colony. He is said to have been facing an inquiry regarding ‘facilitating the PTI founder’, who has been languishing in the jail for over a year now.

The Punjab Home Department, through a notification had removed Muhammad Akram, (BS-17), deputy superintendent (executive) of Central Jail, Adiala, from his post and directed him to report to the Inspectorate of Prisons Punjab, Lahore, on June 20, 2024. Tahir Saddique Shah, deputy superintendent (Judicial), replaced him as DS (executive).