Bomb Threat Targets Adiala Jail Holding Ex-PM Imran Khan

In a concerning development, an unidentified caller, purporting to be from Afghanistan, has issued a bomb threat against Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. The threat, delivered via a call to the Central Jail Rawalpindi’s official telephone number on January 30, warns of an imminent explosion targeting the prison within the next three days. The gravity of the situation prompted the Deputy Inspector General of Prisons in Rawalpindi to communicate this information in a letter to the City Police Officer (CPO), urgently requesting heightened security measures at the facility.

The letter underscores the alarming nature of the threat, emphasizing that the caller explicitly mentioned being situated in Afghanistan while delivering the ominous message. Notably, the call did not reveal any originating phone number on the CLI (Calling Line Identification) of the official telephone that received the threat. This anonymity adds an extra layer of complexity to the situation, making it challenging to trace the source of the threat.

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Drawing attention to a recent security incident, the letter highlights that on January 30, five terrorists from a banned group launched an attack on Mach jail. Fortunately, due to the prompt and effective response of security officials, the attempt was thwarted, preventing any untoward incident. Against this backdrop, the letter underscores the heightened sensitivity of Central Jail Rawalpindi from a security perspective, given its housing of prominent political figures, including Imran Khan, the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. Additionally, the facility detains individuals associated with extremist and terrorist organizations, further amplifying security concerns.

Recognizing the potential risks associated with the bomb threat and the broader security landscape, the Deputy Inspector General of Prisons urgently appeals to the City Police Officer Rawalpindi to implement immediate and robust security enhancements at Adiala Jail. The objective is to preemptively address any possible security breach and safeguard the high-profile detainees and the prison staff.

The call for increased security measures underscores the delicate balance that institutions like Adiala Jail must strike in managing the confinement of individuals with diverse backgrounds and affiliations. The swift response to the threat is indicative of the authorities’ commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the prison facility, its occupants, and the surrounding community. As events unfold, continued vigilance and decisive action will be crucial in navigating the complexities associated with such security challenges.