The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday directed prison authorities not to keep PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in solitary confinement.
Justice Khadim Hussain Somro issued the directions while disposing of petitions challenging the alleged solitary confinement of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi.
Aleema Khan had approached the court over the alleged solitary confinement of Imran Khan. Mubashira Khawar Maneka had filed a similar petition concerning Bushra Bibi.
In its decision, the high court directed Adiala Jail authorities to facilitate a meeting between Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi.
The superintendent of Adiala Jail was also instructed to ensure that neither Imran Khan nor Bushra Bibi is kept in solitary confinement.
The court directed authorities to facilitate Imran Khan’s meetings with his family according to applicable jail rules.
It also ordered that Imran Khan be allowed to speak with his sons by telephone.
The decision further directed jail authorities to provide Imran Khan with newspapers and books on a daily basis.
The court also ordered that he receive medical facilities in accordance with jail rules.
The high court addressed the issue of audio recording involving Imran Khan as well. It observed that the facility could be withdrawn if it is misused.
The court declared the petitions maintainable in light of the Nusrat Bhutto case and the Begum Shamim Afridi judgments.
The decision places responsibility on the superintendent of Adiala Jail to ensure that all directions are properly implemented.
The jail authorities have also been directed to submit a compliance report to the high court within 15 days.
The petitions were filed amid concerns over the treatment and facilities being provided to Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi while they remain incarcerated.
The latest order provides specific directions regarding family meetings, communication, reading material and medical facilities for Imran Khan.
It also makes clear that both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi should not be kept in solitary confinement.
The court’s decision is expected to remain a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings concerning the detention and jail conditions of the PTI founder and his wife.
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