In an interview with the Independent Urdu, Pakistan's caretaker Interior Minister, Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti, characterized Imran Khan as the "darling of the courts," asserting that the facilities provided to the former prime minister in prison surpass those given to any other premier or an ordinary citizen. Imran Khan, the 71-year-old chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), is currently detained in Adiala jail in Rawalpindi in connection with the leakage of secret diplomatic cables.


Bugti highlighted the extraordinary privileges afforded to Khan, stating that they go beyond what is typically provided to both ordinary prisoners and prime ministers behind bars, emphasizing Khan's special status within the legal system. The caretaker interior minister referenced former Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial's positive remarks during Khan's appearance before the Supreme Court, interpreting them as further evidence of Khan's preferential treatment.

Expressing a need for judicial reforms, Bugti pointed to instances like Khan's case as indicative of systemic issues that require attention. He acknowledged the court's directives to present Khan and former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi before the court on November 28 in the cipher case, where they face accusations of violating the country's secrecy laws. Bugti affirmed his commitment to strictly follow the court orders.

Regarding cases against PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, Bugti acknowledged that many of the charges seem baseless. Nevertheless, he maintained that no special privileges were being extended to the party, underscoring the delicate balance between addressing potential injustices and upholding the rule of law.