ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court has directed jail authorities not to keep former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in solitary confinement.
The order was issued by Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro while disposing of petitions challenging the alleged solitary confinement of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in Adiala Jail, with a series of directions for the prison authorities.
The petitions had been filed separately on behalf of the two prisoners. Aleema Khan approached the court regarding Imran Khan, while Mubashra Khawar Maneka challenged the alleged solitary confinement of Bushra Bibi.
Court Directs Meetings and Family Contact
In its decision, the Islamabad High Court directed the jail authorities to facilitate a meeting between Bushra Bibi and Imran Khan.
The court also instructed the Superintendent of Adiala Jail to ensure that neither Imran Khan nor Bushra Bibi is kept in solitary confinement.
The judgment further directed that Imran Khan be allowed to meet his family in accordance with the applicable prison rules. The authorities were also told to facilitate telephone conversations between Imran Khan and his sons.
Newspapers, Books and Medical Facilities
The court ordered that Imran Khan be provided with newspapers and books on a daily basis.
It also directed prison authorities to provide him with medical facilities in accordance with the jail rules.
The judgment stated that arrangements for recording Imran Khan’s audio should be handled carefully. If the facility is misused, the authorities may withdraw it, according to the court’s directions.
15-Day Compliance Report
The Islamabad High Court referred to earlier judgments, including the Nusrat Bhutto case and decisions concerning Begum Shamim Afridi, while holding that the petitions were maintainable.
The court directed the Superintendent of Adiala Jail to ensure implementation of all the instructions contained in the judgment.
The jail authorities have also been ordered to submit a compliance report within 15 days.
The ruling places the responsibility on prison officials to ensure that the court’s directions regarding the treatment, communication, family meetings, reading material and medical care of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi are implemented in accordance with the applicable jail rules.
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