By Urdu Report Editorial Team
The Adiala Jail superintendent has submitted a response to the Islamabad High Court in a contempt case concerning the denial of a lawyer’s meeting with the PTI founder Imran Khan despite a court order.
The matter came up during a hearing on a petition seeking restrictions on the PTI founder’s X account. The court also discussed the contempt proceedings over the failure to facilitate a meeting between the PTI founder and his lawyer.
Jail Superintendent Gives Reason for Refusal
In his response, the Adiala Jail superintendent said political discussions take place during meetings with the PTI founder, and this was the reason the meeting could not be arranged.
Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir observed that Salman Akram Raja would not discuss politics during the meeting. He asked whether the lawyer could be allowed to meet the PTI founder if he assured the court that no political discussion would take place.
The state counsel said instructions would be sought from the Advocate General before submitting a response on the matter.
Lawyer Seeks Instructions From PTI Founder
Salman Akram Raja told the court that he could not argue the merits of the case without consulting the PTI founder. He said the court had ordered the meeting, but the order had not been implemented.
The court also asked the jail authorities why Salman Akram Raja was not being allowed to have the power of attorney signed by the PTI founder.
Raja clarified that the issue was not limited to the power of attorney. He said he wanted to obtain instructions from the PTI founder regarding the case.
Court Seeks PTI’s Position on X Account
The court also sought PTI’s position regarding the case involving the PTI founder’s X account.
An assisting lawyer said PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar was not present in the city and would appear at the next hearing.
Justice Arbab Tahir said there was no need for Barrister Gohar to appear personally and asked the lawyer to simply convey the party’s position.
Salman Akram Raja maintained that PTI had no connection with the case. He said the PTI founder Imran Khan was the main party to the proceedings but was not being allowed to give instructions to his lawyer.
The court subsequently adjourned further proceedings. The court has also sought arguments on the merits of the case at the next hearing.
