Foreign Correspondence #7

PL updates on Imran Khan, Pat Cummins and England's selection

Imran’s 1000 days of solitude

Imran Khan has now been in solitary confinement for over 1000 days.

On Thursday, his sister Aleema Khan, who along with supporters has been staging a weekly protest outside the prison where the former Prime Minister is being held, filed a petition to the Islamabad High Court claiming the brutal treatment is illegal and amounts to torture.

Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper released details of the motion filed on behalf of the detained former politician and cricket captain.

According to the petition, the PTI founder informed his counsel during court-mandated meetings that his wife, Bushra Bibi, is also being kept in solitary confinement for 24 hours a day at the same jail. The petition stated that neither television, books, nor any reading material is being provided to him, and lawyers are being prevented from meeting him for legal consultations or executing powers of attorney. Moreover, the PTI chairman, secretary general, and other office holders of the party are not being allowed to meet him.

The petitioner argued that no court has sentenced the 74-year-old former prime minister to solitary confinement in either the Al-Qadir Trust Case or the Toshakhana-II case. The petition alleged that jail authorities have kept him in isolation for approximately 22 hours daily for the last six months without any legal sanction.

A cruel hoax was perpetrated earlier in the week when a video appearing to be from one of Pakistan’s news stations appeared online, claiming there were moves to free Imran from prison.

There are some very ordinary people in the world.

Aleema, meanwhile, called on supporters to join her weekly protest at the jail on Tuesday.

“Imran Khan is not only our brother, but also the leader of PTI, so we said that we need all of you. Come here and increase the pressure so that Imran Khan can receive treatment in a proper hospital…Imran Khan had carried out a sit-in for 128 days. He spent day and night on the streets. Everyone will have to show a little courage. This is a difficult time, and we are doing whatever we can.”

They have not forgotten Imran Khan in Sydney’s Lakemba

Et Al was in Lakemba for lunch on Friday and pleased to see that the local Pakistan community has not forgotten the national hero who played grade cricket in Sydney.

At the Al-Mandi & Karahi House, where they do an excellent Pakistani breakfast on the weekends (half, 2pcs puri, channay, alooo tarkari, chai and saad for $15) he is remembered with a portrait on your right as you walk in the door.

That’s a can of Salaam Cola out of focus in the foreground.

Up the road at the local butchers Imran has apparently given his seal of approval to the scotch fillets, diced beef, diced lamb and beef ribs

Ali Halal Meat at the Ali Supermarket, Haldon St Lakemba

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Remember, you can help keep some attention on Imran’s cause by wearing one of these. You may not look as good as Greg Chappell, but you will feel as good inside.