On Tuesday, the Supreme Court of Pakistan allowed PTI lawyer Salman Safdar to meet former Prime Minister Imran Khan at Adiala Jail. The court appointed Safdar as amicus curiae, or “friend of the court,” and directed him to submit a detailed report on Khan’s conditions in custody.
This move follows an earlier request by senior PTI leader Latif Khosa for an urgent meeting with Imran. A two-member bench had rejected Khosa’s request on Monday. Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan said they could not approve the meeting without hearing the government’s side. Consequently, the court issued a notice to the government to respond by Tuesday.
During the resumed hearing, CJP Afridi instructed Safdar to visit Adiala Jail today. He ordered Safdar to file a written report by tomorrow. The court emphasized that Safdar should receive full access to Imran and promised that he would not face delays. Additionally, CJP Afridi said his personal staff would assist Safdar if any issues arise at the jail.
Court Stresses Importance of Imran’s Living Conditions
PTI counsel Latif Khosa and Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan also appeared before the court. Initially, CJP Afridi barred Khosa from speaking. AGP Awan informed the bench that a written response, including a medical report from August 5 to August 18, had already been submitted following the SC’s August 24, 2023 order on Imran’s living conditions.
CJP Afridi noted that the previous report did not satisfy the court. He stressed the need for a fresh, detailed report. “We have full faith in Salman Safdar,” the CJP said. He added that the report should focus only on Imran’s living conditions, despite Safdar raising concerns about the former premier’s health after a recent medical procedure.
The court rejected Khosa’s renewed request to meet Imran. It adjourned the hearing until February 12.
PTI Highlights Prisoner Rights Concerns
Imran Khan has remained imprisoned since August 5, 2023, at Rawalpindi’s Central Jail. Last week, PTI submitted a memorandum to the Supreme Court requesting immediate visitation rights for Imran. The party asked the court to allow access for family, doctors, lawyers, and friends.
PTI alleged that authorities consistently violated Imran’s rights as a prisoner and as a human being. The memorandum also claimed that Imran underwent a secretive medical procedure in Islamabad without informing his relatives, violating jail rules.
By appointing Salman Safdar as amicus curiae, the Supreme Court aims to ensure transparency and accountability in Imran Khan’s treatment. The court wants an independent assessment of his living conditions while maintaining strict judicial oversight.
