ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has announced that the under-construction Islamabad Model Jail will become operational within the next two months, paving the way for the transfer of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan to the new facility. The statement comes amid ongoing debates over Khan’s incarceration conditions at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi and recent medical concerns highlighted in court reports. Naqvi emphasized that since Khan’s conviction originated from an Islamabad court, his placement in a local prison aligns with legal protocols, ensuring compliance with judicial requirements.
The Islamabad Model Jail project, initiated in 2011, faced significant delays spanning nearly 15 years due to various administrative and financial hurdles. Recent acceleration efforts under the current administration have pushed progress to over 85 percent completion in the first phase. Officials briefed the interior minister during his site visit that double-shift operations and focused oversight have enabled this rapid advancement, transforming a long-stalled initiative into a near-functional modern correctional facility.
Equipped with state-of-the-art features, the new jail will include a fully operational medical centre, emergency response services, advanced digital surveillance systems, and a central control room for enhanced security management. These provisions address longstanding criticisms regarding prisoner welfare in existing facilities. Naqvi specifically noted that the infrastructure would support comprehensive healthcare needs, potentially facilitating better management of medical issues for high-profile inmates like Imran Khan.
Imran Khan has been detained at Adiala Jail since August 2023, following convictions in multiple cases, including corruption charges related to state gifts. He faces over 100 legal proceedings, many of which his party claims are politically motivated. Recent Supreme Court proceedings have spotlighted his health, with a report indicating significant vision impairment in his right eye due to delayed treatment of a blood clot, reducing functionality to approximately 15 percent according to his account.
The amicus curiae report submitted to the Supreme Court detailed Khan’s daily routine at Adiala, including access to exercise equipment, a walking area, quality food provisions such as chicken, meat, lentils, coffee, porridge, and dates, along with amenities like books, television, and bottled water. Despite these, concerns persist over prolonged isolation, limited family visits, and timely medical interventions, fueling public and political discourse on prison conditions for former high officials.
The decision to transfer Khan to the Islamabad facility underscores a policy of aligning prisoner locations with the jurisdiction of sentencing courts. This move is expected to apply not only to Khan but also to other detainees with cases in Islamabad courts, streamlining judicial and administrative processes. Authorities plan to shift all relevant under-trial prisoners and convicts once the jail becomes fully active.
Interior Minister Naqvi’s inspection of the site highlighted the government’s commitment to modernizing correctional infrastructure in the capital. The project, now in its final stages, includes provisions for secure accommodation and rehabilitation support. Completion within two months would mark a significant milestone in resolving chronic overcrowding and outdated facilities in nearby Rawalpindi prisons.
Political observers note that the announcement arrives against a backdrop of heightened tensions, including PTI protests and demands for Khan’s release or improved treatment. While the government maintains that Khan receives privileged facilities as a former prime minister, opposition voices continue to allege neglect and mistreatment. The new jail’s advanced medical setup is positioned as a response to such criticisms.
The Islamabad High Court has previously issued directives to expedite the jail’s completion, setting a broader deadline of June 30, 2026, but accelerated timelines now indicate operational readiness much sooner. This development could influence ongoing legal proceedings concerning Khan’s incarceration and health management.
Overall, the impending completion of the Islamabad Model Jail represents a key step in upgrading Pakistan’s prison system in the federal capital, with direct implications for high-profile cases and broader judicial efficiency.