PTI claims jailed leader Aaliya Hamza attacked in Kot Lakhpat jail

LAHORE: The PTI on Monday alleged that the party’s Punjab chapter chief organiser Aaliya Hamza, who is incarcerated in Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail, had been subjected to a physical attack by some female inmates.

In March this year, Aaliya was arrested by the Punjab police and shifted to Kot Lakhpat Jail. The police had claimed that she was absconding and organising gatherings of party legislators, ticket-holders and workers outside Adiala Jail.

According to claims made by PTI leaders, a woman inmate, along with around 10 other inmates, attacked Aaliya and attempted to strangle her over a water-related dispute in the jail toilet. “There has been an attempt on Aaliya’s life,” they alleged.

They stated that other jailed PTI members, Sanam Javed and Falak Javed, intervened and rescued Aaliya from the attackers.

Meanwhile, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja stated that disturbing news of an “attempt on Aaliya’s life” had been received from Kot Lakhpat Jail.

In a statement issued on X, Raja said that the Punjab government and the jail administration were responsible for the protection of the PTI leader in jail.

He demanded an immediate and transparent investigation into the attack, the dismissal of negligent staff and the registration of a case against them.

“A petition, in consultation with Aaliya’s family, will also be filed in court for her medical examination and protection,” he added.

However, when contacted, Punjab Inspector General Prisons Mian Salik Jalal rejected the allegation, asserting that there had been no physical clash.

“The women inmates had only exchanged heated words over fetching water from the jail toilet,” he said.

Aaliya was arrested when she was visiting her family members. She was in Lahore to celebrate Eidul Fitr and was preparing to leave when she was arrested. She was reportedly taken to Shadman Police Station before being shifted to the Kot Lakhpat Jail.

The PTI leader had been absconding at the time of her arrest.

PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said the case against Aaliya was fake, the sentence was unlawful and her arrest amounted to “fascism”. He had condemned the arrest. ...