The Official Secrets Act Court, on Wednesday, approved PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s request for a telephone conversation with his sons. The court instructed the Superintendent of Adiala Jail to oversee and facilitate this telephonic conversation between Imran Khan and his sons.
Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain presided over the session, with the presence of PTI lawyer Shiraz Ahmad Ranjha and Aleema Khan. During the hearing, it was clarified that specific standard operating procedures (SOPs) were in place, restricting the accused from speaking during court proceedings.
Read more:Imran khan cipher case begins at special court
Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain expressed his intention to examine the matter of telephonic conversations within the framework of jail regulations.
PTI lawyer Shiraz Ahmad Ranjha pointed out that, according to the Official Secrets Act, the accused is not prohibited from having telephone conversations with family members. He also referenced the Prisoner’s Rules, which permit inmates to meet their wives and children for up to 12 hours in jail. Additionally, the lawyer emphasized that other accused individuals have the full privilege of having telephone conversations.
Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain requested to review written permission in the prison manual regarding international communication. In response, the PTI lawyer cited a decision by the Federal Shariat Court that allows such communication and submitted the judgment of the Federal Shariat Court as supporting evidence.
It was further noted that all prisoners have telephone interviews on Saturdays. In response to the judge’s inquiry about permission to speak internationally, Ranjha argued that the Superintendent of Adiala Jail had provided inaccurate information and should be issued a show cause notice.
Ultimately, Judge Zulqarnain rendered the decision in an open court session, authorizing the Superintendent of Adiala Jail to oversee and facilitate the telephonic conversation between the PTI chairman and his sons.
