ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued notices to Adiala Jail officials for defying court orders by preventing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur from meeting imprisoned former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan.
Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir issued the notices during the hearing of a contempt petition filed by CM Gandapur.
Representing the chief minister, Advocate Raja Zahoor ul Hassan told the court that despite clear directions from the IHC in September and October 2024, jail authorities refused to facilitate the meeting. “We visited Adiala Jail last week, but the meeting was not allowed,” the lawyer said.
The petition urged the court to initiate contempt of court proceedings against the jail superintendent and other responsible officials.
In response, the court sought replies from the Adiala authorities and adjourned the hearing. The date for the next hearing will be announced later.
In a related development, senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders also approached the Islamabad High Court seeking permission to meet Imran Khan, according to a report by ARY News.
A joint petition was filed by PTI leaders Junaid Akbar, Sher Ali Arbab, Rauf Hassan, and Amjad Ali through their counsel Ayesha Khalid. The petition stated that authorities had denied them access to the party founder the previous day and requested the court’s intervention to allow the meeting, emphasizing its importance for party decisions and coordination.
Meanwhile, in a separate ruling, the IHC recently ordered the release of over 120 PTI workers detained in connection with the November 26 protest case.
