National Dialogue Committee Seeks Jail Meetings with Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi
At a glance
- The National Dialogue Committee has petitioned the Islamabad High Court to allow meetings with Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in jail.
- The committee cites concerns over their health and well-being, alleging mistreatment and violation of constitutional rights.
- Jail authorities have previously cited security concerns and political messaging as reasons for restricting access.
Story so far
The National Dialogue Committee (NDC) has filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking permission to meet with former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in jail. The petition names the Secretary of Interior, the Punjab Home Secretary, and the Superintendent of Adiala Jail as respondents. The committee, comprising figures such as Fawad Chaudhry, Imran Ismail, Mehmood Moulvi, and Barrister Saif, has expressed serious concerns about the health and well-being of Mr. Khan and Ms. Bibi, who are reportedly held in solitary confinement. They allege inappropriate behaviour and mistreatment by jail authorities and object to the ban on visitations from family, friends, and lawyers, arguing it fuels speculation and violates constitutional rights (Articles 9 and 14) and Pakistan Prison Rules, 1978. The petition specifically cites the ban on meetings since August 5, 2023, and violations of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules). The jail superintendent has previously stated that family meetings were used for “political messaging outside.”
Latest development
The National Dialogue Committee has formally petitioned the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to ensure meetings with former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, are facilitated in jail. The committee, including NDC Chairman Mahmood Baqi Molvi, Imran Ismail, Barrister Muhammad Ali Khan Saif, and Fawad Ahmed, argues that the ban on meetings since August 5, 2023, violates constitutional rights and international rules.
Latest updates
The National Dialogue Committee (NDC) has formally approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC), seeking directives for jail authorities to facilitate meetings with former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi. The petition, filed under Article 199 of the Constitution, read with Section 561 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Pakistan Prison Rules, 1978, was submitted by NDC Chairman Mahmood Baqi Molvi, alongside committee members Imran Ismail, Barrister Muhammad Ali Khan Saif, and Fawad Ahmed. These petitioners are described as former federal ministers and senior PTI leaders.
The petition asserts that the jail administration has imposed an “illegal and arbitrary ban” on meetings since August 5, 2023, violating fundamental rights under Article 9 (right to life and liberty) and Article 14 (inviolability of dignity) of the Constitution, as well as international covenants including the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules). The jail superintendent, in response to a separate petition by Bushra Bibi’s daughter, previously claimed that family meetings were being used for “political messaging outside.”
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