The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday accepted petitions challenging the solitary confinement of former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi.
Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro issued directions to Adiala Jail authorities while deciding the petitions. The court referred to earlier judgments in the cases of Begum Nusrat Bhutto and Begum Shamim Afridi.
Under the court’s directions, jail authorities must not keep Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in solitary confinement. The Adiala Jail superintendent must also ensure that the orders are properly implemented.
Court Orders Meetings and Family Contact
Justice Soomro directed the jail superintendent to arrange meetings between Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. Additionally, the former prime minister must receive meetings with other family members according to jail rules.
The court also ordered authorities to facilitate telephone conversations between Imran Khan and his sons. The direction aims to ensure that the former prime minister can maintain contact with his family during his imprisonment.
Moreover, the judge instructed prison authorities to provide Imran Khan with newspapers and books on a daily basis.
Medical Facilities Must Follow Jail Rules
The court further directed Adiala Jail authorities to provide appropriate medical facilities to both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi.
Justice Soomro stressed that the prison administration must follow the relevant jail rules while providing healthcare and other facilities to the couple.
The verdict stated that the court had disposed of the petitions concerning the former prime minister and his wife with specific instructions.
Meanwhile, the jail superintendent has been directed to ensure full compliance with the court’s orders. The court specifically emphasised that the couple must not face solitary confinement.
The ruling provides directions concerning the couple’s prison conditions, family meetings, communication, reading material and access to medical facilities.
