Key Takeaways
- Islamabad High Court declares petitions challenging solitary confinement maintainable.
- Court directs Adiala jail authorities to ensure Imran and Bushra Bibi are not kept in solitary confinement.
- Jail authorities must facilitate meetings and phone calls as per court orders.
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed Adiala jail authorities to ensure that PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi are not kept in solitary confinement. The court's decision, announced by Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro, came after petitions were filed by Imran’s sister and Bushra’s daughter, challenging the alleged prolonged isolation of the former prime minister and his wife.
The court held that the petitions were maintainable in light of the principles laid down in the Begum Nusrat Bhutto and Begum Shamim Afridi cases. It further directed jail authorities to facilitate a meeting between Imran and Bushra in accordance with prison rules and allowed Imran’s family members to meet him as permitted under the jail rules.
The court also ordered that Imran be provided with newspapers and books daily and ensure he receives medical facilities in accordance with applicable prison rules. Additionally, the superintendent of Adiala jail was specifically directed to ensure that Bushra Bibi is not kept in solitary confinement and to submit an implementation report to the court within 15 days.
During earlier proceedings, the government and Adiala jail authorities had denied that either Imran or Bushra Bibi was being kept in solitary confinement. The jail authorities maintained that Imran was housed separately due to security concerns linked to his political profile and was being provided facilities beyond those available to B-class prisoners. Similarly, Bushra Bibi was being housed separately due to security concerns.
Barrister Salman Safdar, representing the petitioners, disputed the government’s position, alleging that the restrictions imposed on his clients amounted to prolonged isolation and mental distress. He also complained of limited access to lawyers, family members, and books, and sought regular meetings and weekly telephone calls between Imran Khan and his sons.
The court’s decision follows a recent incident where an interview with Imran’s sons was broadcast during a Test match between Pakistan and England. The Ministry of Information issued a detailed statement rejecting allegations that Imran was being subjected to “punitive solitary confinement, cruelty or deprivation,” stating that visits, phone calls, and reading materials were being provided as per regulations.
The IHC’s directive aims to ensure that Imran and Bushra Bibi are treated in accordance with the rules and regulations of the prison system, providing them with the necessary facilities and access to family members and legal representatives.
