Islamabad High Court (IHC) has scheduled January 21 for hearing a petition seeking the suspension of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s X (formerly Twitter) account.
The court directed all respondents to submit their responses before the next hearing, noting that the Adiala jail authorities have already filed their response. Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir will hear the case, while senior lawyer Salman Akram Raja is representing the PTI founder.
The superintendent of Adiala jail firmly denied allegations that Imran Khan’s X account is being managed from within the prison in its written statement.
The former prime minister is still constantly monitored and does not have access to cell phones or other internet-enabled devices, jail authorities informed the court.
The reply stated that mobile signal jammers are installed within the jail premises and surrounding areas, making it impossible for inmates to use phones or internet services. It further said that under jail rules, Imran Khan is prohibited from engaging in political discussions, though officials acknowledged that some visitors attempt to raise political topics during meetings in violation of these restrictions.
The superintendent also referred to past incidents where political messages attributed to Imran Khan were linked to unrest, but stressed that such communication is no longer possible as he is completely cut off from digital access. “The X account linked to the PTI founder is not being operated from inside the jail and is clearly being managed from outside,” the reply maintained.
According to jail authorities, Imran Khan is being provided only those facilities permitted under prison rules or granted by court orders, none of which include access to online or digital platforms.
The response was submitted against a petition filed by a citizen named Ghulam Murtaza, through his counsel Barrister Zafarullah. The petitioner alleged that despite being incarcerated, the PTI founder continues to issue illegal and provocative messages through his X account.
Separately, an October post from Imran Khan’s official X handle claimed that officials from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) questioned him inside Adiala jail over alleged “anti-state” content shared from the account.
The post asserted that although he does not personally operate the account while in custody, FIA officials questioned him on several issues, including criticism of foreign policy and social media activity.
The statement further claimed that Imran Khan declined to respond to certain queries in the absence of his lawyers and alleged psychological pressure, including solitary confinement and denial of basic prison facilities.
According to the post, FIA officials questioned him about his views on Afghanistan and regional policy, to which he allegedly criticised the current military leadership, the expulsion of Afghan refugees, and drone strikes, claiming these actions harmed bilateral relations and regional stability.