The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed Adiala Jail authorities not to keep Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in solitary confinement. Justice Khadim Hussain Somroo issued the directions while disposing of petitions challenging their alleged isolation in jail.
The court ordered the Adiala Jail superintendent to ensure compliance with its directions and facilitate a meeting between Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. Authorities were also instructed to arrange Imran Khan’s meetings with family members according to prison rules and allow him to speak with his sons by telephone.
The IHC further directed jail authorities to provide Imran Khan with newspapers and books on a daily basis, along with medical facilities in accordance with applicable prison rules. The court also allowed audio recordings in line with its directions, while noting that the facility could be withdrawn if misused.
The petitions had been filed by Aleema Khan regarding Imran Khan and Musherra Khawar Maneka concerning Bushra Bibi. The court declared the petitions maintainable in light of previous judgments and ordered the Adiala Jail superintendent to submit a compliance report within 15 days.
The ruling comes amid continuing concerns over the prison conditions, family access and communication facilities available to Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. The court’s latest directions require jail authorities to follow relevant prison rules while ensuring that neither prisoner is subjected to solitary confinement.
