Tarar’s announcement followed comments from Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, who described Khan as a “mentally ill person” and a threat to national security.
Speaking on Geo News’ programme Naya Pakistan, Tarar said, “Prisoner meetings are held according to the law. There are no meetings; all meetings are banned.” He emphasized that swift and firm action would be taken against anyone attempting to disturb law and order outside the prison.
The minister explained that jail rules require a superintendent to be present during meetings, but officials had reported political instructions and discussions being conducted during visits. “Permission will not be given to advance the enemy’s agenda from inside the jail,” he said.
Khan has been in custody since August 2023 following his removal from office via a no-confidence vote in April 2022. He faces multiple cases, ranging from corruption to terrorism. The ruling coalition has accused him of attempting to sabotage Pakistan’s economy and inciting people against the state and its institutions.
Tarar claimed Khan and his party had sought to push Pakistan into default, stating, “Letters were sent to the IMF to force Pakistan into default. Attacks were carried out on military installations on May 9.” He also criticized the former premier for creating an anti-state narrative due to his political uncertainty.
The minister added that PTI lawmakers were frustrated with Khan, calling him an extremist with a “Taliban-like mindset” and alleging that he regarded terrorists as friends. “This extremist person is consumed by war hysteria — how long will even his own party members tolerate him?” Tarar asked.
In a related development, Tarar said the federal government was considering imposing governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He also announced plans to register cases against those spreading narratives against the state. He noted that PTI could engage in parliamentary dialogue only without Khan, provided the party apologizes and distances itself from extremist statements.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also criticized PTI, saying the recent interview of Khan’s sister Uzma Khan to Indian media “nailed the final nail in the coffin” for the party. Asif accused PTI of paying extortion to the Taliban and failing to condemn anti-Pakistan remarks by its members. He contrasted PTI’s actions with those of PPP and PML-N, asserting that previous leaders never crossed “red lines” or acted against national interests.
The government’s statements indicate a firm stance against the PTI founder and his party, highlighting restrictions on political activity linked to jailed leaders and signaling potential measures to restore state authority.
