LAHORE: Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub, has accused the government of preventing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan from offering Eid prayers, questioning how an Islamic state like Pakistan can deny its founding party leader the opportunity to perform this religious obligation.

Ayub made the remarks after a group of PTI leaders, including himself, Shibli Faraz, party spokesperson Niazullah Niazi, Aliya Hamza, and others, attempted to meet with Imran Khan at Adiala Jail on Thursday, Express News reported. The party’s secretary, Salman Akram Raja, had already submitted the names of those wishing to meet Khan to the jail authorities. However, when the leaders arrived at the jail around 4 pm, they were informed that the meeting was not allowed, despite a judicial order permitting it.

Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail, Ayub expressed frustration over the refusal, saying, “Despite a court order, we were not allowed to meet with the founder of PTI. These meetings are usually finalised by the founder himself and shared with his lawyers.”  He further claimed that Khan had been denied contact with his children and sisters for the past two and a half months.

Ayub also accused the government of preventing Imran Khan from offering Eid prayers, emphasising that such actions were a severe violation of human rights and dignity. “How can we call this an Islamic state if the founder of PTI is not allowed to pray on Eid? This is the worst form of disgrace,” he said. The PTI leader criticised the government for repeatedly violating court orders, urging judges to ensure their rulings are enforced. He added that if the judiciary fails to uphold its orders, judges should resign. Meanwhile, opposition leader in the Senate, Shibli Faraz, also spoke out, saying the refusal to allow a second meeting with Imran Khan showed a disregard for judicial decisions. “When a country disregards court decisions, it can no longer be called a country. Selective enforcement of the law shows that the judiciary’s credibility is eroding,” Faraz stated. Allegations of mistreatment against Imran Khan PTI leader Aliya Hamza also spoke to the media, condemning the treatment of the PTI founder.

“It’s shameful that our former prime minister is being treated this way. He has been denied contact with his sisters, children, and wife. He is given stale food and denied access to newspapers and television,” Hamza said. She further alleged that Khan was being punished not for any criminal activity but because he refused to bow to the establishment. "He prioritises the nation’s interests over his own," she added. Aliya also drew attention to the disparity in treatment between Khan and other political elites, who, she said, receive preferential treatment. “The elite have their meetings with the superintendent in private rooms, while our leader is denied even basic rights.”

Addressing internal party issues, Aliya asserted that there was no conflict within PTI. “Hammad Azhar is like a brother to me. If we had any issues with Khan, we would openly discuss them,” she said. “Our struggle is for the release of the founder and for the greater cause of justice and democracy.” She emphasised that PTI would continue to fight for justice and Khan’s release, stressing that the party would not back down despite the ongoing political and legal challenges. “We will keep fighting for justice, and we won’t stop until we see the release of our leader, as our struggle is for a greater cause,” she concluded.