ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court has directed Adiala Jail authorities not to keep former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in solitary confinement.
Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro issued the detailed judgment in petitions challenging their alleged solitary confinement in jail.
The court disposed of the petitions after issuing several directions to the jail authorities.
Court Orders Family Meetings
The Islamabad High Court directed jail authorities to facilitate meetings between Imran Khan and his family.
The court also ordered arrangements for meetings between Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, in line with applicable jail rules.
In addition, the judgment directed authorities to allow Imran Khan to speak with his sons by telephone.
However, the court said the telephone facility could be withdrawn if recordings of those conversations were used for political purposes.
WhatsApp Calls Allowed Under Conditions
The court also directed authorities to facilitate audio and video calls through WhatsApp.
The judgment, however, placed conditions on the facility.
Authorities may suspend the WhatsApp calling facility if they find that it is being used for political campaigning.
The court therefore balanced communication rights with jail security and prison rules.
Daily Walk and Medical Care
The IHC also directed jail authorities to allow Imran Khan to walk for one hour each day.
The facility must follow the recommendations of the relevant medical board.
Furthermore, the court directed authorities to provide medical facilities according to the board’s recommendations and applicable jail rules.
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The judgment also addressed Imran Khan’s access to reading and entertainment material.
Newspapers, Books and Television
The court ordered Adiala Jail authorities to ensure the regular provision of newspapers, magazines and books to Imran Khan.
Books submitted by the petitioners should also be provided after security screening.
Moreover, the court directed authorities to provide television facilities in accordance with jail rules and medical board recommendations.
The court stressed that security concerns cannot completely cut a prisoner off from human contact and communication.
Directions Also Apply to Bushra Bibi
The court specifically directed Adiala Jail authorities not to keep Bushra Bibi in illegal solitary confinement.
The judgment said the relevant terms and conditions would apply to her as well.
Authorities must therefore ensure that both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi remain subject to the applicable jail rules without unlawful isolation.
Court Cites Earlier Judgments
The petitions were considered maintainable in light of earlier judgments, including the Nusrat Bhutto case and the Begum Shamim Afridi case, according to the court’s decision.
The petitions challenged the alleged solitary confinement of the former prime minister and his wife.
Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan approached the court regarding his alleged solitary confinement. Meanwhile, Mubashra Khawar Maneka filed the petition concerning Bushra Bibi.
Adiala Jail Given 15 Days to Report Compliance
The Islamabad High Court directed the Superintendent of Adiala Jail to ensure compliance with the judgment.
The superintendent must submit a compliance report to the Deputy Registrar Judicial within 15 days.
The court made clear that jail authorities must ensure that neither Imran Khan nor Bushra Bibi remains in solitary confinement.
The directions bring the petitions to an end while placing specific obligations on the Adiala Jail administration regarding communication, family meetings, reading material, medical care and other facilities.
