New Delhi: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed authorities at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi to ensure that former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, are not kept in solitary confinement, providing a significant relief to the jailed couple amid continuing concerns over their prison conditions.
The order was issued on Tuesday, September 1, after the court took up petitions concerning the alleged solitary confinement of Khan and Bushra Bibi. The petitions were filed by Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan and Bushra Bibi’s daughter Mubashra Khawar Maneka, seeking better access and facilities for the two prisoners. Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro heard the matter.
Court Orders Family Meetings and Phone Access
Besides barring solitary confinement, the IHC directed jail authorities to restore family meetings for Imran Khan in accordance with prison rules. The court also ordered arrangements for telephone conversations between Khan and his sons, Sulaiman and Kasim Khan.
The court further instructed authorities to provide Khan with newspapers and books on a daily basis and ensure that he receives medical facilities as prescribed under prison rules. These directions come amid concerns from Khan’s family and supporters regarding his health and access to medical care while in custody.
The superintendent of Adiala Jail has also been directed to submit an implementation report to the court within 15 days, putting the jail administration under a formal obligation to demonstrate compliance with the order.
Imran Khan’s Prison Conditions Under Scrutiny.
Imran Khan, 73, has been imprisoned at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi while serving sentences in corruption-related cases. His wife, Bushra Bibi, is also being held at the same facility. The former cricketer-turned-politician has remained at the centre of Pakistan’s political and legal turmoil since his removal as prime minister in April 2022.
The issue of Khan’s alleged solitary confinement has been under judicial scrutiny for weeks. In August, the IHC had reserved its order on petitions challenging his isolation. Government representatives and prison officials had disputed allegations that Khan was being unlawfully held in solitary confinement, maintaining that prison authorities would follow applicable laws and regulations.
The controversy intensified after Pakistan’s Supreme Court on August 18 directed authorities to transfer Khan to Shifa International Hospital for medical examination and treatment. The development came amid concerns over his health while in custody.
Wider Political and Legal Significance
The latest IHC order does not release either Imran Khan or Bushra Bibi from prison. Instead, it focuses on their conditions of detention and access to basic rights and facilities available under prison rules.
