WEBDESK: Senior analyst Muzammil Suharwardy in an exclusive interview with Azaad Siasat said that he does not believe the government is under any pressure to release Imran Khan at any stage.
He added “The government’s stance would likely be that the authority to grant Imran Khan’s release lies solely with the courts. If Imran Khan seeks freedom, he must approach the judiciary and submit a request there.”
Suharwardy further said that the government does not have the power to release Imran Khan unilaterally. However, the government could designate Imran Khan’s residences in Bani Gala or Zaman Park as sub-jails and transfer him there. By doing so, these locations would come under prison regulations, similar to how Bushra Bibi was previously confined at Bani Gala under jail rules.
He clarified that during Bushra Bibi’s confinement at Bani Gala, she had personally requested the court to be moved, as some quarters alleged that she was being granted undue relief in collusion with the authorities.
He added that if Bani Gala were declared a sub-jail for Imran Khan, it would be a political win for the government. This move would project an image that Imran Khan himself sought this arrangement for his benefit.
Muzammil Suharwardy mentioned that such a decision could prove politically damaging for Imran Khan, as it might lead to further cases and legal actions against him. If Bani Gala were declared a sub-jail, a court could be set up on the premises to conduct hearings against him, which could present additional challenges for the former prime minister.
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