ISLAMABAD: The superintendent of Adiala Jail has opposed a request seeking family meetings and access to a personal physician for former first lady Bushra Bibi, arguing that such interactions were allegedly being used for political messaging outside the prison.
The matter came up before the Islamabad High Court during a hearing conducted by Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir on a petition filed by Bushra Bibi’s daughter, Mubashra Maneka.
The petition requested permission for regular family meetings, access to a private doctor, and provision of essential items for Bushra Bibi during her imprisonment.
During the proceedings, Islamabad Advocate General Naveed Malik and Adiala Jail Superintendent Sajid Baig appeared before the court.
In a written report submitted to the court, the jail administration claimed that meetings between Bushra Bibi and family members were followed by political statements and social media activity, which, according to prison authorities, created concerns regarding prison discipline and security management.
The report specifically referred to social media posts allegedly shared by Bushra Bibi’s sister, Maryam Riaz Wattoo, following family meetings at the jail.
The prison administration argued that such conduct raised concerns about maintaining order and security inside the prison facility.
Advocate General Naveed Malik informed the court that the jail superintendent had already reviewed the representation regarding prison meetings and decided against granting immediate access. However, he clarified that the restriction was not permanent and could be reconsidered later.
Counsel for the petitioner, Salman Akram Raja, challenged the grounds presented by jail authorities, arguing that the refusal was based on alleged political activity occurring outside the prison premises.
He further contended that Maryam Riaz Wattoo had never visited Adiala Jail and currently lived abroad, questioning how her online activity could justify preventing a daughter from meeting her mother.
Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir subsequently directed the advocate general to obtain an affidavit from the relevant individual regarding the matter.
During the hearing, Superintendent Sajid Baig informed the court that Adiala Jail currently housed approximately 7,200 inmates and that meetings were arranged separately according to the nature of prisoners’ offences.
He stated that meetings were conducted six days a week, from Monday to Saturday, under the jail manual and the Prison Management Information System.
Justice Tahir observed that the prison system appeared organised and remarked that the court intended to fully examine the procedures before issuing any final order.
The judge emphasized that prison authorities must strictly follow the jail manual and ensure fairness for all parties involved.
The court directed authorities to facilitate a meeting between Bushra Bibi and her daughter whenever possible in the meantime and adjourned the hearing until May 14 for detailed arguments under the applicable prison rules.
