Islamabad : The Islamabad High Court on Wednesday reserved its verdict after hearing arguments on petitions alleging that former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, are being held in solitary confinement at Adiala Jail.
Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro heard the petitions, during which Adiala Jail's superintendent submitted a report rejecting the allegations. Counsel for Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, Barrister Salman Safdar, challenged the report, while the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) later dismissed it as inconsistent with the facts.
Jail Authorities Reject Allegations
In the report submitted to the court, the superintendent of Adiala Jail denied that either Imran Khan or Bushra Bibi was being kept in solitary confinement.
The report stated that prolonged solitary confinement is no longer a common practice in Pakistan's prison system and that both prisoners are being treated in accordance with prison rules and applicable laws without discrimination.
According to the jail administration, Bushra Bibi has been provided separate accommodation solely for security reasons because she is the spouse of a former prime minister. Officials maintained that these security arrangements should not be interpreted as solitary confinement.
The report further said she has access to a spacious room, a private courtyard and a separate kitchen, and is free to move within the designated area during the day. Her room is locked only during prescribed night hours under prison regulations.
Jail authorities also stated that female prison staff remain responsible for her care, while a female medical officer examines her daily. They added that she has access to natural light, fresh air and other facilities provided under the prison manual.
The superintendent also informed the court that Bushra Bibi is allowed to meet Imran Khan every Tuesday. The report added that books had been provided to Imran Khan in compliance with court orders and that concerns regarding his eyesight had already been addressed through a medical board constituted at PIMS Hospital.
Defence Raises Objections
Barrister Salman Safdar argued that the jail superintendent's report could not be treated as conclusive evidence because the allegations were directed against the same prison administration.
He maintained that the issue extended beyond accommodation arrangements and involved alleged solitary confinement, restrictions on meetings with lawyers and family members, and denial of fundamental legal rights.
Safdar told the court that the report did not adequately address Imran Khan's access to his legal team, family members, his two sons or his personal physician.
He requested the court to appoint an independent panel of three lawyers to inspect Adiala Jail and assess the conditions in which both prisoners are being held.
The counsel also urged the court to allow Imran Khan weekly telephone conversations with his two sons, ensure regular meetings with his lawyers and family members, permit the couple to remain together in prison, and order proper medical examinations for both prisoners, including treatment of their reported eye conditions.
Proceedings in Court
During the hearing, the Advocate General for Islamabad informed the court that the jail report had been submitted in compliance with an earlier order issued on June 30.
Justice Soomro questioned whether all facilities required under the prison manual were being provided and observed that the inclusion of the medical board's report would have assisted the court in assessing the matter.
The Advocate General submitted that Imran Khan's security requires special arrangements because of his political status and confirmed that books had already been provided in accordance with the court's directions.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the court reserved its verdict.
PTI Rejects Jail Report
Following the hearing, PTI rejected the jail authorities' report, calling it contrary to the facts.
In a statement, the party alleged that Imran Khan continues to face extraordinary restrictions, limited access to family members, lawyers and his personal physician, and that court orders regarding meetings have not been fully implemented.
PTI called for unrestricted access to family members, legal counsel and medical treatment by Imran Khan's personal doctor, while urging authorities to ensure full compliance with judicial orders.