Naqvi floats Imran's possible transfer to Islamabad Model Jail in visit to facility

Islamabad may soon see a shift in where it houses high-profile prisoners. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi indicated on Friday that Imran Khan, founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), could be moved to the new, still-under-construction Islamabad Model Jail.

New Jail and Delayed Completion

The Islamabad Model Jail project began in 2011, but has faced significant delays. The initial estimated cost of Rs3.9 billion has more than quadrupled, reaching Rs18.2 billion and projected to exceed Rs20 billion by the end of January 2026. The facility is being built on 90 acres in Sector H-11 and is designed to accommodate up to 2,000 inmates.

Special Barrack and Imran Khan’s Potential Transfer

Last year, plans were made to partially activate the jail by December 31, 2025, focusing on completing a high-security Special Barrack No. 3 specifically for Imran Khan, currently incarcerated in Adiala Jail. However, this completion was not achieved, postponing his potential transfer. According to Minister Naqvi, if Khan is sentenced by a court in Islamabad, he will be moved to the new facility.

Did You Know? The Islamabad Model Jail project has seen its estimated cost increase from an original Rs3.9 billion to a projected cost exceeding Rs20 billion.

Health Concerns and Political Response

Naqvi’s comments come as concerns grow regarding Imran Khan’s health. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry stated the government will ensure thorough medical examination and treatment for Khan, providing arrangements as ordered. A recent Supreme Court report detailed that Khan’s right eye is functioning at only 15% capacity following a medical procedure.

Supreme Court Intervention and Protests

The Supreme Court has granted Khan access to his personal physicians and allowed telephone contact with his sons. These revelations sparked outrage, leading to a sit-in protest outside Parliament House by the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan, demanding Khan receive hospital care in Islamabad.

Facility Features and Inspection

The new jail is designed to include comprehensive medical facilities, including an advanced hospital. It will also feature dual security walls, a digital monitoring system, and a centralized control room. The facility will accommodate women and juvenile detainees, and include amenities such as a school, a 22-bed hospital, a mosque, an imambargah, a church, a library, and an auditorium.

Expert Insight: The delays and escalating costs of the Islamabad Model Jail project highlight the challenges of large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly in the context of political and economic instability.

During a visit to the site on Friday, Minister Naqvi observed that the project is over 85% complete and expected to be functional within two months. He directed authorities to accelerate work through double-shift operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Imran Khan definitely be moved to the new jail?

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that Imran Khan will be moved to the new jail only if he is sentenced by a court in Islamabad.

What is the current status of the Islamabad Model Jail project?

The project is over 85% complete and is expected to become functional within two months, according to officials who briefed the interior minister.

What facilities will the new jail offer?

The jail will feature complete medical facilities, including an advanced hospital, dual security walls, a digital monitoring system, and amenities like a school, mosque, and library.

As the Islamabad Model Jail nears completion, and amid ongoing concerns about Imran Khan’s health, what impact will this new facility have on the future of incarceration and prisoner welfare in Pakistan?

Naqvi floats Imran’s possible transfer to Islamabad Model Jail in visit to facility