The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed Adiala Jail authorities not to keep Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in solitary confinement.
Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro issued the directions while disposing of petitions challenging the alleged isolation of the two prisoners.
Court issues directions to Adiala Jail
The petitions came from Aleema Khan on behalf of Imran Khan and Musharrafa Khawar Maneka on behalf of Bushra Bibi.
The court ordered the Adiala Jail superintendent to ensure that neither prisoner faces solitary confinement.
It also directed authorities to facilitate a meeting between Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi.
Pakistan, Uzbekistan Vow to Deepen Strategic Partnership and Expand Trade
The court further ordered officials to follow jail rules when arranging Imran Khan’s meetings with his family.
Imran Khan to receive phone access and reading material
The IHC directed jail authorities to provide Imran Khan with an opportunity to speak with his sons by telephone.
Officials must also provide him with newspapers and books on a daily basis.
The court allowed audio recordings for Imran Khan, subject to safeguards.
It said authorities could withdraw the facility if anyone misused the recordings.
Court orders medical facilities
The IHC also directed prison authorities to provide Imran Khan with medical facilities according to prison rules.
The court stressed the need to follow established procedures while providing healthcare and other facilities to prisoners.
IHC cites previous cases
The court declared the petitions maintainable while referring to precedents from the Nusrat Bhutto case and the Begum Shamim Afridi case.
The ruling sets out specific responsibilities for the Adiala Jail administration.
The superintendent must ensure compliance with all directions issued by the court.
Implementation report due in 15 days
The IHC has given the Adiala Jail superintendent 15 days to submit an implementation report.
The report must show how the jail authorities complied with the court’s directions.
The ruling provides Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi with access to family contact and other facilities under the applicable prison rules.
