Imran Khan likely to be shifted to Islamabad's new model jail from Adiala

Former prime minister Imran Khan is expected to be among the first inmates transferred from Adiala Jail to the newly constructed Islamabad Model Jail, as the facility is set to become operational in phases starting later next month, according to media reports.

Authorities confirmed that phase one of the long-delayed jail project is expected to be completed by the end of August, with the transfer of 200 to 300 inmates from Rawalpindi’s overcrowded Adiala Jail. Phase two is scheduled to conclude by October 31, while full completion is targeted by December 31, 2025.

The Islamabad Model Jail, spanning 90 acres in Sector H-16/2, was initially approved in 2007 and funded in the 2016–17 budget. Although it was supposed to be completed within 36 months by 2019, the project faced repeated delays due to funding issues and rising construction costs.

The total expenditure has since surged from an estimated Rs3.9 billion to over Rs18.2 billion.

The facility is designed to house 2,000 inmates, including separate barracks for women and juveniles. It features educational and religious amenities, a 22-bed hospital, library, kitchen with roti-making machines, and accommodation for jail staff.

The Interior Ministry has requested 288 police personnel to run the jail, with administrative appointments expected by mid-August.

Despite this development, Adiala Jail — currently holding over 7,500 prisoners against a capacity of 3,500 — will likely remain overcrowded.