LAHORE (MNN); Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday alleged that its Punjab Chief Organiser, Aaliya Hamza, was attacked by fellow female inmates inside Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail, claiming the incident amounted to an attempt on her life.
According to PTI leaders, the altercation took place over a dispute related to water in the jail’s washroom, where a female inmate, accompanied by around 10 others, allegedly assaulted Aaliya Hamza and attempted to strangle her. The party claimed that imprisoned PTI members Sanam Javed and Falak Javed intervened in time and rescued her from the attackers.
Reacting to the incident, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said the party had received disturbing reports of an alleged attempt on Aaliya Hamza’s life. In a statement posted on X, he held the Punjab government and jail administration responsible for ensuring her safety while in custody.
Raja demanded an immediate and transparent inquiry into the incident, disciplinary action against any negligent officials, and the registration of a criminal case against those responsible. He also announced that, in consultation with Aaliya Hamza’s family, the party would approach the court seeking her medical examination and enhanced security.
However, Punjab Inspector General of Prisons Mian Salik Jalal rejected PTI’s allegations, stating that no physical assault had taken place. According to him, the incident was limited to a verbal exchange between female inmates over fetching water from the jail toilet.
Aaliya Hamza was arrested by Punjab Police in March after authorities claimed she had been absconding while allegedly organising meetings of PTI legislators, ticket holders and party workers outside Adiala Jail. She was taken into custody while visiting family members in Lahore during Eidul Fitr, briefly held at Shadman Police Station, and later transferred to Kot Lakhpat Jail.
Following her arrest, Salman Akram Raja had termed the case against Aaliya Hamza politically motivated, describing her conviction as unlawful and her detention as an act of “fascism.”
