IHC Directs Adiala Jail to Ensure Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi Are Not Kept in Solitary Confinement
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed Adiala Jail authorities to ensure that former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, are not kept in solitary confinement.
Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro announced the decision on Tuesday, ruling that petitions challenging the alleged isolation of the two prisoners were maintainable.
The court also directed jail authorities to arrange a meeting between Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in accordance with applicable prison rules.
In addition, authorities were instructed to facilitate meetings between Imran Khan and his family members as permitted under jail regulations. The court also ordered arrangements for telephone conversations between him and his sons.
The IHC, however, said phone calls could be discontinued if recordings of the conversations were being used for political purposes.
The court further directed prison authorities to provide Imran Khan with newspapers and books on a daily basis and ensure that he receives medical care in accordance with relevant prison regulations.
The superintendent of Adiala Jail was specifically instructed to ensure that Bushra Bibi is not kept in solitary confinement and to submit an implementation report to the court within 15 days.
Petitions Challenged Prison Conditions
The petitions were filed by Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, and Bushra Bibi’s daughter, Mubashra Khawar Maneka. They had challenged what they described as prolonged isolation of the former prime minister and his wife.
During previous hearings, government representatives and Adiala Jail authorities denied that either prisoner was being subjected to solitary confinement.
The authorities said Imran Khan was housed separately because of security considerations and maintained that he had access to a larger area containing several cells rather than being restricted to one cell throughout the day.
Jail officials also said Bushra Bibi was housed separately for security reasons and that the arrangement did not constitute solitary confinement.
The petitioners’ lawyer disputed this position and argued that the restrictions amounted to prolonged isolation. He also raised concerns about access to family members, lawyers, books, and telephone calls.
Court Orders Implementation Report
The IHC directed Adiala Jail authorities to strictly follow its instructions and submit a report regarding implementation within the specified period.
The court subsequently disposed of the applications after issuing the directions.
The case has drawn attention to the rights and facilities available to prisoners, particularly regarding family meetings, communication, reading material, and access to medical care under prison rules.
