By Urdu Report Editorial Team
The Islamabad High Court has directed jail authorities not to keep Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in solitary confinement.
Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro issued the directions while disposing of petitions challenging the alleged solitary confinement of the former prime minister and his wife.
Aleema Khan had approached the court regarding Imran Khan, while Musarrat Khowar Manika filed a petition concerning Bushra Bibi’s confinement.
Court orders compliance with jail rules
The Islamabad High Court declared the petitions maintainable in light of the judgments in the Nusrat Bhutto case and the Begum Shamim Afraidy case.
The court directed the Superintendent of Adiala Jail to ensure compliance with its directions and submit an implementation report within 15 days.
The jail superintendent was specifically instructed to ensure that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi are not kept in solitary confinement.
Meeting and communication facilities
The court also directed jail authorities to facilitate a meeting between Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi.
It ordered that Imran Khan be allowed to meet his family according to jail rules. The former prime minister must also be facilitated to speak with his sons by telephone.
The directions aim to ensure that the prescribed jail rules are followed regarding family meetings and communication.
Medical facilities and access to reading material
The Islamabad High Court directed jail authorities to provide Imran Khan with newspapers and books on a daily basis.
The court also ordered that he be provided medical facilities in accordance with the jail rules.
According to the decision, Imran Khan’s audio may be recorded as a facility, but the permission can be withdrawn if the recording is misused.
