Court Raises Concern Over Denial of Legal Meetings
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday questioned how legal proceedings could continue if Imran Khan’s lawyer is denied access to him. The issue arose during a hearing related to alleged “inflammatory posts” made from an X account operating under the PTI founder’s name.
Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir presided over the hearing. He expressed concern over the lack of consultation between Imran Khan and his legal counsel. The former prime minister remains incarcerated.
PTI leader and senior lawyer Salman Akram Raja told the court he had not been allowed to meet his client. He said the denial has continued since the case was filed. Raja argued that it was impossible to present final arguments without legal consultation.
Justice Tahir noted that responses had been received from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and jail authorities. He stated that final arguments would be heard on February 24, but only if Raja is allowed to meet Imran Khan.
The court directed Raja to submit a detailed reply regarding a contempt petition. The petition relates to repeated denial of meetings with the PTI founder. The advocate general for Islamabad was also instructed to submit a written response.
Judge Stresses Case Cannot Move Forward Without Meeting
During the hearing, state counsel informed the court that a larger bench was hearing similar cases regarding jail meetings. Justice Tahir responded that the defence had raised a valid concern.
“They are saying the case cannot proceed without the meeting,” the judge remarked.
Raja reminded the court that the IHC had issued a clear order on November 4 allowing meetings. He said the order had not been implemented for over two months. He added that Imran Khan was being kept in solitary confinement.
Justice Tahir assured the court that an order regarding the meeting would be issued. He clearly stated that the case could only move forward if the lawyer is granted access to his client.
The court also expressed dissatisfaction with the response submitted by the PTA. Justice Tahir criticized the authority for failing to address the core issue raised in the petition. He instructed the PTA counsel to review the petition carefully.
Following the exchange, the hearing was adjourned until February 24.
Petition Challenges Use of X Account During Imprisonment
The case stems from a petition filed in September. The petitioner, Ghulam Murtaza Khan, challenged posts allegedly made from Imran Khan’s official X account while he is in jail. The petition was filed through Barrister Zafarullah Khan Advocate.
The petitioner argued that the content was provocative and unlawful. He claimed it violated prison rules and constitutional provisions. The petition asked the court to investigate who was operating the account during Imran Khan’s imprisonment.
It also requested the PTA and the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency to probe the matter. The petitioner sought removal and blocking of the content from social media platforms.
The petition further urged the court to direct jail authorities to ensure no access to social media. It termed any such access unconstitutional and illegal.
In a written reply submitted last year, Adiala jail authorities denied the allegations. The jail superintendent stated that Imran Khan is under strict surveillance. He said the former premier has no access to mobile phones or prohibited devices.
Meanwhile, restrictions on meetings with Imran Khan have increased in recent months. In December, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry announced that meetings would remain suspended until February 8.
The IHC’s next hearing is expected to address both the meeting issue and the substance of the petition.
