The Supreme Court on Monday conducted a hearing regarding the living conditions of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in Adiala Jail. The two-member bench comprised Chief Justice Yahya Afridi and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan.
During the proceedings, Chief Justice Afridi stopped senior lawyer Latif Khosa from addressing the court. Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan informed the bench that a written reply had already been submitted in chambers following the order dated August 24, 2023. He added that the reply included medical reports covering August 5 to 18.
The Chief Justice noted that after the August 24 order, no subsequent order confirmed the Supreme Court’s satisfaction with the jail arrangements. He announced that Advocate Salman Safdar would be appointed as a friend of the court to independently assess the situation.
The SC allows Salman Safdar to visit Adiala Jail to review Imran Khan’s living conditions. He will also report on the facilities available to the PTI founder. The court emphasized that Salman Safdar must be given respectful and timely access without any obstruction.
The Chief Justice clarified that as a friend of the court, Salman Safdar should not be made to wait outside the jail. He added that his personal staff officer would be available to address any issues during the visit.
Attorney General Awan requested that the written report submitted in August be formally recorded in the court order. The Supreme Court accepted this request, reinforcing transparency and accountability in the assessment process.
The SC allows the appointed friend of the court to submit a written report detailing his observations. The report will help the bench evaluate whether Imran Khan’s rights and well-being are being properly maintained while in custody.
This order comes amid ongoing legal proceedings involving the PTI founder, highlighting the court’s role in ensuring humane treatment for detainees. The SC allows independent oversight to maintain confidence in the justice system and protect constitutional rights.
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