Inside Adiala Jail, often called Pakistan's equivalent of India's Tihar Jail, lies the incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Since his arrest in August 2023 on numerous corruption charges, Khan has been held in this high-profile prison known for housing some of Pakistan's most dangerous criminals, extremists, and political prisoners. The jail, located near Rawalpindi, holds around 6,000 inmates despite being built for just 1,900, leading to severe overcrowding and challenging living conditions reminiscent of Tihar's reputation in India.​

Adiala Jail carries a long political and historical significance. It is infamous not only for its current detainees but also as the site where former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was executed in 1979. Over the years, the prison has undergone modernization to include rehabilitation programs and sports facilities, yet the core issues of overcrowding and subpar living conditions persist. Prisoners face poorly ventilated cells, insufficient hygiene, substandard food, and limited medical care, with reports of inmates suffering from malnutrition and disease due to compromised water quality and spoiled meals.​

Imran Khan's detention conditions have been a matter of concern and controversy. His family and supporters have alleged harsh treatment, including prolonged solitary confinement and denial of visits from family and doctors. Khan's children from London have publicly expressed worry over his health, describing his cell as effectively a "death cell" with poor hygiene and deprivation of basic facilities. Meanwhile, the jail authorities have dismissed rumors regarding his ill health and movement outside the prison as baseless, affirming that he remains in stable condition under medical supervision.​

Protests and political unrest have frequently surrounded Adiala Jail due to Khan's imprisonment. Demonstrations by his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and supporters have taken place demanding better treatment and family access. Heightened security measures and restrictions on communication devices in the jail's vicinity reflect the sensitivity of holding such a high-profile political figure. The parallels between Adiala and Tihar Jail lie both in their roles as custodians of prominent prisoners and their struggles with issues like overcrowding, security lapses, and prisoner welfare.

Adiala Jail presents a complex picture: a site steeped in Pakistan's political history and turmoil, yet also emblematic of multidimensional prison challenges. Imran Khan's incarceration there adds another layer of national and international attention, highlighting issues of justice, human rights, and political dynamics in Pakistan's prison system. This ongoing saga underscores the critical need for prison reforms that ensure humane treatment irrespective of inmates' political stature. The story of Adiala Jail is thus not only about imprisonment but also a reflection of deeper societal and governance issues.