Incarcerated must be treated with dignity, humanity: Mirwaiz on Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan

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Chief cleric of Kashmir, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. File. | Photo Credit: Imran Nissar

Kashmir chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday (August 21, 2026) described the reports of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan again being shifted to a jail as “concerning” and said the “rights of political prisoners are universal”.

“The rights of political prisoners are universal, beyond geography, government or political affiliation. Be it in India, Pakistan or anywhere in the world, those incarcerated must be treated with dignity and humanity, with access to proper medical care, family and legal counsel, and due process,” said the Mirwaiz.

The Mirwaiz said the court orders must be respected and the rule of law upheld. “Political differences can never justify denying a prisoner his or her fundamental rights,” said the Mirwaiz, while referring to the treatment meted out to former Pakistan PM Khan.

Earlier in his Friday sermon at historic Jama Masjid, the Mirwaiz raised the issue of “restrictions and attempts to silence the pulpit”.

“Unfortunately, these actions seem to be part of the state policy right now. It was a time to bear with patience and continue the good work, however possible. This pulpit has for generations played an important role in educating individuals and shaping society on religious and moral lines,” he added.

Meanwhile, Opposition Peoples Democratic Party leader Iltija Mufti also expressed concern over the treatment of Mr. Khan. “Unbelievably cruel for the Pakistani army to send Imran Khan back into jail. The man has been incarcerated for the last three years over baseless, preposterous charges. Small men in big chairs syndrome. I do admire how Imran Khan refuses to compromise and continues to hold his ground,” said Ms. Mufti.

ALSO WATCH Watch: Jailed Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan moved to hospital after court order

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