ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday directed the formation of a larger bench and the consolidation of multiple petitions concerning the visitation rights of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated in Adiala jail.
The decision came during a hearing led by IHC’s Acting Chief Justice, Justice Sarfraz Dogar, on a petition filed by Adiala jail Superintendent Abdul Ghafoor Anjum. The petition highlighted the existence of multiple pending cases and conflicting court rulings regarding Khan’s visitation rights, which, according to the jail administration, created operational challenges and uncertainty.
“To ensure judicial consistency, all related cases should be consolidated before a single or larger bench for uniform adjudication and effective enforcement of directives,” the petition stated.
Khan, who has been in Adiala jail since September 2023 while facing numerous legal cases, has repeatedly alleged mistreatment and obstacles in meeting his legal team and supporters. PTI has frequently raised concerns over restrictions on his meetings with lawyers and visitors.
Last week, the IHC ordered Adiala officials to present Khan in court in connection with a plea filed by Mashal Yousafzai regarding the alleged denial of visitation rights. Initially, the court sought his appearance via video link by 2 PM. However, after the deadline passed, the court directed his in-person appearance. The Islamabad advocate general later informed the court that security concerns prevented his transportation and that a virtual appearance was also not feasible.
The court then instructed the Adiala jail superintendent and the Islamabad advocate general to submit affidavits explaining the situation.
In his plea, Superintendent Anjum maintained that Khan was being provided visitation rights per the standard operating procedures (SOPs) established in March 2024, allowing him to meet his lawyers, family, and friends on two designated days each week.
