The Islamabad High Court has ordered authorities not to keep Imran Khan Bushra Bibi solitary confinement in jail, directing the Adiala Jail superintendent to ensure both remain in line with prison rules.
Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro disposed of petitions challenging the alleged solitary confinement of former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi. The petitions were filed by Aleema Khan and Mubashira Khawar Maneka on behalf of the two prisoners.
In its decision, the Islamabad High Court directed jail authorities to facilitate a meeting between Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. The court also ordered the Adiala Jail superintendent to ensure that neither prisoner is kept in solitary confinement.
The court further directed authorities to allow Imran Khan to meet his family according to applicable jail rules. It also ordered officials to facilitate his telephone conversations with his sons, providing him with continued contact with his family.
The Imran Khan Bushra Bibi solitary confinement case also resulted in directions concerning Imran Khan’s access to reading material and medical care. The court ordered officials to provide him with newspapers and books on a daily basis and ensure medical facilities under jail rules.
The court said any audio recording facility provided to Imran Khan could be withdrawn if the recording is misused. It also directed the Adiala Jail superintendent to ensure compliance with all instructions issued in the judgment.
The Islamabad High Court relied on previous judgments, including the Nusrat Bhutto case and the Begum Shamim Afridi case, while holding the petitions maintainable. The court ordered the jail superintendent to submit a compliance report within 15 days.
