Courts Intervene as Authorities Deny Access to Imran Khan in Jail

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s superior courts have intervened to address the persistent denial of access to incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan, with both the Supreme Court and Islamabad High Court (IHC) taking action against jail authorities.

On Thursday, an IHC division bench directed the Advocate General of Islamabad to ensure Mr. Khan and his spouse, Bushra Bibi, can meet with their counsel within seven days. The order came during a hearing for the £190 million reference, where lawyer Barrister Salman Safdar informed the court he has been unable to meet his clients to get instructions or a signed power of attorney (vakalatnama). The court expressed concern that the denial of legal access could impede the administration of justice and adjourned the hearing until after the meetings occur.

Separately, the Supreme Court issued notices to the Punjab Home Secretary and the Superintendent of Adiala Jail in a contempt petition filed over the failure to enforce court orders regarding meetings between Mr. Khan and his lawyers. The apex court bench heard petitions from PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and Mr. Khan’s sister, Dr. Uzma Khan, adjourning the hearing for three weeks.

These judicial actions followed another incident on Thursday where a list of six PTI leaders was submitted for a scheduled meeting with Mr. Khan at Adiala jail, but they were denied entry and forced to leave after waiting for two hours. The IHC has previously permitted party leaders to meet the PTI founder on Thursdays.