The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed jail authorities to arrange a one-hour meeting between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, with their lawyers, Barrister Salman Safdar and Sardar Latif Khosa. The court issued this directive during a hearing of appeals against their convictions in the £190 million case.
During the proceedings, Barrister Salman Safdar informed the court that he had met Imran Khan after seven months and Bushra Bibi after 11 months. Safdar expressed concern over the health of both prisoners, stating that Khan’s eyesight had improved but his blood pressure remained uncontrolled, which Khan expressed concern could lead to a brain haemorrhage. Regarding Bushra Bibi, Safdar stated her eyesight was in very poor condition and that she had undergone emergency surgery six months ago, with another operation scheduled for November 15.
Safdar argued that Bushra Bibi could not receive adequate treatment in jail, noting she was returned to her cell the same day after surgery. He requested the court to constitute a medical board and summon her complete medical record from Adiala Jail, seeking four to six weeks’ bail on medical grounds if regular bail was not granted. He stated, "If I argue the appeal and my client becomes blind in jail, I will regret it."
Islamabad Advocate General Naveed Malik told the court that Bushra Bibi was receiving medical treatment in jail and that all necessary facilities were being provided to her, presenting a record of her treatment and noting a medical board had examined her on November 8. The Advocate General stated that medical treatment is a fundamental right and the government was not neglecting its responsibilities.
The court also addressed the preparation of paper books for the appeals. Safdar stated the documents had not yet been completed or provided to the defense. Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar granted time for preparation and urged the lawyers to begin arguments at the next hearing.
Sardar Latif Khosa informed the bench that he had repeatedly sought a meeting with Imran Khan and had not been allowed to do so. He requested at least one hour for the meeting. The court directed the Islamabad advocate general to arrange the meeting and instructed the lawyers to commence arguments at the next hearing. The court subsequently directed jail authorities to arrange meetings for both lawyers and adjourned the hearing.
The £190 million case involves allegations that Imran Khan and others adjusted Rs50 billion in 2019 sent by Britain's National Crime Agency (NCA) to the Pakistani government. The amount relates to a property tycoon's assets seized by the NCA. While the British agency stated the amount was a settlement for a civil matter and did not represent a finding of guilt, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) filed a reference in December 2023, leading to charges against Imran and Bushra on February 27, 2024.
