Islamic cleric Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza, who was recently released from jail, has revealed hearing Imran Khan’s voice, and observing the movements of the former incarcerated prime minister (PM) from a nearby barrack.

 

 

Appearing on journalist Irshad Bhatti’s YouTube channel, Mirza broke silence on his experiences during the 103 days he remained in custody following his arrest in a blasphemy case in August. Besides discussing his time in jail, the cleric also clarified perceptions about the treatment of prisoners, including ex-premier Khan.

 

 

“When Imran Khan used to come for breakfast, we couldn’t actually see him, but his caretaker would already be preparing his breakfast right there. He used to arrive exactly at 9 am, and at 3 pm he would come again to have the evening meal,” Mirza revealed about the routine of the ex-PM, who remains locked up at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail over corruption charges.

 

 

He also said they could hear conversations between Khan and his caretaker due to the layout and construction of the barracks, which separated them with a 10 or 12-feet high wall not connected to the ceiling.

 

 

Mirza said Khan’s voice was recognisable because it has a certain depth, and he could hear at least a few sentences every time Khan spoke.

 

 

When Bhatti asked about the contents of Khan’s conversations, Mirza said, “They would be discussing cricket. Obviously, he wouldn’t discuss anything else.”

 

 

He added that despite public perception, Khan had access to a television, newspapers and an open area.

 

 

“Imran Khan was given six prison barracks, whereas we were given three. He had six complete ones, in front of that, he was also given access to an open space… but at the end of the day, it is still a jail,” he said. 

 

 

Regarding meals, Mirza said that all discussion about Khan having desi ghee and other food of choice in jail was completely true. “We could smell those dishes.”

 

 

Mirza also spoke of the situation after November 4 when reports claimed Khan had been shifted to solitary confinement.

 

 

“After November 4, we stopped hearing his voice. I asked an on-duty person to confirm his well-being and I was told that Khan now sits on the other side because of sunlight from that direction,” he added. 

 

 

The interview follows Mirza’s release on bail. The Rawalpindi Bench of the Lahore High Court (LHC) in the start of this month approved his release in a case alleging religious hatred, ordering him to submit two surety bonds worth Rs500,000 each. 

 

 

Earlier, the Cyber Crime Wing of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had registered the case, alleging that a video on Mirza’s YouTube channel contained blasphemous remarks.

 

 

Charges faced by Mirza fall under Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), which carries the death penalty, and Section 11 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, relating to content inciting sectarian or interfaith hatred.

 

 

He has himself filed a petition challenging the FIA probe and a fatwa against him by the Punjab Quran Board.