The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has restored the ban on political discussions within Adiala Jail, suspending an earlier decision that had removed this restriction from the Punjab Prison Rules.
According to details shared on Thursday, a larger bench headed by Chief Justice Sardar Sarfraz Dogar issued the ruling while hearing an intra-court appeal filed by the Punjab government. The three-member bench announced its reserved verdict, reinstating the prohibition on political debates inside prison premises.
The case revolved around a recent notification that had allowed inmates to hold political conversations, a move the Punjab government contested. The provincial authorities argued that allowing such discussions could disrupt discipline and create security concerns inside the jail.
The IHC’s latest order has now suspended the earlier decision, effectively restoring the original prison rule that bars any form of political activity or debate among inmates. Legal experts believe this ruling will have direct implications for high-profile prisoners, including PTI founder Imran Khan, who is currently lodged in Adiala Jail.
The court’s decision comes amid ongoing debates over prisoners’ rights and the extent of political freedoms behind bars. Authorities have maintained that prisons are rehabilitation centers, not venues for political mobilization. The judgment underscores the court’s stance that the maintenance of law, order, and neutrality inside detention facilities must take precedence.
Earlier this week, tensions rose after Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohaib Afridi held a protest when he was denied permission to visit Adiala Jail to meet Imran Khan. The incident further intensified discussions surrounding prison policies and political access.
Sources indicate that the Punjab government sought the IHC’s intervention to prevent potential misuse of political freedom within jails. Officials argued that unregulated political exchanges could lead to factionalism and disrupt jail management.
Legal analysts have said that while freedom of expression remains a fundamental right, it can be lawfully restricted within confined environments to ensure institutional discipline. The IHC’s ruling reflects this balance between individual rights and administrative control.
The reinstated ban will remain in place until further judicial review or legislative amendment. The Punjab Home Department is now expected to issue fresh guidelines to ensure the enforcement of the IHC’s directive.
