The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has mandated that former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, must not be subjected to solitary confinement during their imprisonment. This order was conveyed on Tuesday, reflecting the court’s response to petitions filed regarding the conditions of their detention.

Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro presided over the session, during which he also emphasised that prison officials should facilitate family meetings with Khan in accordance with existing jail regulations. Additionally, arrangements were to be made for Khan to engage in telephone conversations with his sons.

The court’s ruling aims to ensure humane treatment for Khan and Bushra Bibi, both of whom are currently held at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. The judge has mandated that the jail administration must implement these directives promptly, safeguarding the rights of individuals in custody.

Family Communication and Access to Reading Material

In further measures outlined by the court, the IHC instructed the authorities at Adiala Jail to permit Khan’s family to visit him according to the stipulated prison guidelines. This includes facilitating regular telephone calls between Khan and his children, enabling them to maintain familial ties during his incarceration.

The high court also specified that Khan should receive essential daily provisions, including newspapers and books. Moreover, it has ordered that he must have access to medical facilities, as required by regulations governing custodial care.

The superintendent of Adiala Jail has been expressly tasked with ensuring adherence to the court’s orders, with a compliance report required to be submitted within a fortnight. This report is expected to clarify whether the jail authorities have effectively followed through on the judicial directives issued.

Details of the Legal Proceedings

On August 6, Justice Soomro had reserved judgement on various petitions that were filed challenging the conditions under which Khan and Bushra Bibi were incarcerated. These petitions were submitted by Khan’s sister, Aleema Khanum, and Bushra Bibi’s daughter, Mubashra Khawar Maneka, alleging that both individuals were being held in solitary confinement unjustly.

Khan, aged 73, has remained in custody since August 2023, following his conviction in multiple legal cases. He, alongside his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has consistently characterised these legal challenges as politically motivated, highlighting concerns regarding the fairness of the judicial process.

Alongside these legal matters, Khan and Bushra Bibi are serving lengthy sentences linked to corruption charges and similar allegations. The recent ruling from the IHC creates a framework intended to ensure their rights as prisoners are upheld during their ongoing legal struggles.

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