The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday reserved its verdict on petitions challenging the alleged solitary confinement of former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi.
Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro reserved the judgment after hearing detailed arguments from both sides. The court said a written order would be issued later.
The petitions seek to declare the alleged solitary confinement of both prisoners unlawful.
Authorities Deny Solitary Confinement Claims
During the hearing, the superintendent of Adiala Jail and the Islamabad Advocate General appeared before the court.
Both officials submitted a compliance report in line with the court’s June 30 directions.
The Islamabad Advocate General told the court that no competent authority or court had ordered solitary confinement for either Imran Khan or Bushra Bibi.
He argued that the former prime minister receives additional prison facilities.
He further stated that Imran Khan remains inside his cell only for a limited period during the night due to security requirements.
According to the law officer, this arrangement does not meet the legal definition of solitary confinement.
Jail Officials Explain Prison Arrangements
The Adiala Jail superintendent also rejected the allegations.
He informed the court that a convicted prison orderly remains with Imran Khan at all times.
He explained that solitary confinement legally requires a prisoner to remain completely isolated inside a cell for 24 hours each day.
According to the superintendent, those conditions do not apply in this case.
The Advocate General also submitted that the Supreme Court had previously expressed satisfaction with the facilities available to Imran Khan.
He added that the former prime minister receives amenities beyond those provided to prisoners eligible for B-Class facilities.
Health Issue Also Discussed During Hearing
The hearing also briefly addressed concerns about Imran Khan’s eyesight.
The Advocate General argued that medical treatment issues fell outside the scope of the present petitions.
However, Justice Soomro observed that it would have been preferable if the medical board’s report had been placed before the court.
The judge also directed both parties to submit any additional judicial precedents or relevant case law in writing before the verdict is announced.
In addition, Justice Soomro remarked that the matter might have been resolved through an agreed standard operating procedure (SOP) between the parties.
Responding to the court, the Adiala Jail superintendent said the issue regarding Imran Khan’s eyesight had already been resolved.
He also noted that the report prepared by the executive director of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) had already been made public.
Petitions Filed by Family Members
The petitions were filed by Aleema Khan on behalf of Imran Khan and by Mubashra Maneka on behalf of her mother, Bushra Bibi.
The petitions allege that both prisoners are being held in unlawful solitary confinement.
They also claim that regular access to family members and legal counsel has been restricted.
After hearing all arguments, the Islamabad High Court reserved its verdict and said a detailed written order would be issued at an appropriate time.
