The Islamabad High Court has directed prison authorities not to keep Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in solitary confinement, disposing of petitions challenging their alleged isolation in jail.
Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro announced the decision and issued a series of directions to the Adiala Jail administration regarding the treatment, meetings and facilities available to both prisoners.
The petitions had been filed by Aleema Khan on behalf of Imran Khan and by Mubshera Khawar Maneka concerning Bushra Bibi. The petitioners had approached the court over allegations that the two were being kept in isolation and were facing restrictions on their access to family members and other facilities.
In its ruling, the Islamabad High Court directed the Adiala Jail superintendent to ensure that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi are not kept in solitary confinement. The court also instructed prison authorities to facilitate a meeting between Bushra Bibi and the PTI founder in accordance with the applicable jail rules.
The court further directed authorities to allow Imran Khan to meet his family under prison regulations and facilitate telephone conversations with his sons. The former prime minister was also ordered to be provided with newspapers and books on a daily basis.
The judgment additionally instructed jail authorities to provide Imran Khan with medical facilities in accordance with prison rules. Regarding the recording of his audio, the court observed that the facility could be withdrawn if the recording was misused.
