The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the superintendent of Adiala Jail to submit a comprehensive report and prison records concerning the alleged solitary confinement of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi. Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro issued these orders during a hearing on petitions filed by Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, and Bushra Bibi’s daughter, Mubashra Khawar Maneka.
During Saturday’s proceedings, Justice Soomro specifically inquired whether the couple has been placed in solitary confinement, and if so, under what legal provisions, circumstances, and for what duration. The court also sought details regarding the facilities provided to the former prime minister and his spouse. This follows the judge’s previous observation that convictions in National Accountability Bureau (NAB) cases do not typically entail solitary confinement as a penalty.
Barrister Salman Safdar, representing the petitioners, asserted that Khan and Bushra Bibi have been held in solitary confinement for several months, a situation he claims violates prison regulations. He stated that while he was granted access to Khan following a court order, he had been denied meetings with Bushra Bibi for seven months. Safdar alleged that Khan is confined for approximately 22 hours daily, with Bushra Bibi experiencing constant isolation.
Conversely, NAB prosecutor Rafi Maqsood challenged the petitions, arguing that Aleema Khan and Mubashra Khawar Maneka lacked legal standing as they were not aggrieved parties. He denied any solitary confinement, maintaining that their custody adheres to standard prison rules for convicted inmates. The federal government, NAB, and the Islamabad advocate general also urged the court to dismiss the petitions on grounds of non-maintainability.
The court has reserved its decision on the maintainability of the petitions, indicating it will be determined after the jail authorities submit their report. Justice Soomro instructed the Inspector General of Prisons and the jail superintendent to ensure their nominated representatives, fully briefed on the case facts, appear at the next hearing. The proceedings have been adjourned until August 6.
