The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered prison authorities not to keep PTI founder Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in solitary confinement.
Justice Khadim Hussain Somro issued the directions while deciding petitions challenging their alleged isolation in jail.
Aleema Khan had filed a petition regarding Imran Khan’s alleged solitary confinement. Mubashira Khawar Maneka approached the court over Bushra Bibi’s situation.
The court ordered Adiala Jail authorities to facilitate a meeting between Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. It also directed officials to ensure neither remains in solitary confinement.
The court further ordered authorities to facilitate Imran Khan’s meetings with family members. Such meetings must follow the applicable jail rules.
Imran Khan will also be allowed to speak with his sons by telephone. The court directed prison authorities to provide this facility under the relevant rules.
The IHC also ordered that Imran Khan receive newspapers and books daily. Medical facilities must also be provided according to jail regulations.
The court addressed the issue of audio recording as well. It observed that the facility could be withdrawn if it was misused.
The IHC declared the petitions maintainable in light of previous judicial decisions. These included the Nusrat Bhutto case and Begum Shamim Afridi judgments.
The court ordered the superintendent of Adiala Jail to implement all directions. The superintendent must also submit a compliance report within 15 days.
The decision provides specific instructions regarding the treatment and facilities available to the two prisoners. It also places responsibility on jail authorities for ensuring compliance.
The court’s directions came after petitions challenged the alleged solitary confinement of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. The petitioners sought judicial intervention over their treatment in prison.
The IHC’s decision now requires jail officials to follow the court’s instructions. Any failure to implement the directions could be reflected in the compliance report.
The order also establishes a framework for Imran Khan’s family communication. His meetings must be arranged according to established prison rules.
Telephone contact with his sons has also been specifically addressed. The decision recognizes access to family communication as part of the court’s directions.
Access to reading material was another issue covered by the order. Prison authorities have been directed to provide newspapers and books daily.
Medical care was also included in the court’s instructions. Authorities must ensure that Imran Khan receives treatment under applicable jail regulations.
The court also considered the legal basis for hearing the petitions. It relied on earlier judgments while declaring the petitions maintainable.
The three-member bench roster was not cited in the decision described above. Instead, Justice Khadim Hussain Somro issued the directions while disposing of the petitions.
The compliance requirement gives jail authorities a clear deadline. The superintendent must report implementation within 15 days.
The ruling comes amid continued legal attention surrounding Imran Khan’s imprisonment. His treatment, access to family members and medical care remain significant issues.
The case involving Bushra Bibi also concerns her conditions in detention. Her petition was separately brought before the high court.
The court has now issued directions covering both prisoners. The order specifically prohibits their placement in solitary confinement.
The authorities have been ordered to facilitate contact between the two. They must also ensure compliance with other facilities granted under the decision.
The IHC ruling therefore addresses several aspects of prison conditions. These include family meetings, telephone contact, reading material and medical care.
The decision places implementation responsibility directly on Adiala Jail’s superintendent. A formal compliance report will indicate whether the directions have been followed.
The development marks a significant judicial direction concerning the treatment of the two prisoners. Further proceedings may depend on the compliance report submitted by jail authorities.
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