Islamabad, September 1: The Islamabad High Court has directed prison authorities not to keep former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in solitary confinement. The court issued strict instructions on Tuesday, ensuring that both receive all facilities as per prison regulations. Additionally, the court has mandated that Khan be allowed to communicate with his sons via phone.
The 73-year-old politician, who transitioned from cricket to politics, and his wife are currently incarcerated in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, serving sentences related to corruption and associated charges.
According to the Pakistani daily Dawn, Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) delivered this ruling. He deemed petitions challenging the couple’s alleged solitary confinement worthy of consideration.
The court also instructed that Khan’s family members be permitted to visit him in accordance with prison rules and ordered officials to facilitate telephone conversations between Khan and his sons.
The IHC directed Adiala Jail authorities to provide Khan with daily newspapers and books, ensuring that he receives medical care as stipulated by prison regulations.
The superintendent of Adiala Jail has been tasked with ensuring compliance with the court’s directives and must submit a compliance report within 15 days.
Justice Soomro had previously reserved judgment on separate petitions filed by Khan’s sister, Aleema Khanum, and Bibi’s daughter, Mubashra Khawar Maneka, which challenged their solitary confinement.
Khan has been in jail since August 2023 after being convicted. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, claims the verdict is politically motivated.
Supporters and relatives allege that the prison administration has barred family visits and that Khan is not receiving adequate medical care. However, the government has consistently denied these allegations.
Meanwhile, Adiala Jail Superintendent Sajid Baig informed the court that Khan is not confined to a single cell 24/7; he has access to a compound with seven cells where he can move around during the day.
Bushra Bibi was first imprisoned on January 31, 2024, after being convicted in a corruption case. After spending nearly nine months in jail, she was released on bail on October 24 of the same year. She was re-arrested on January 17, 2025, in connection with another case. She has been incarcerated in Adiala Jail since then, with authorities citing security reasons for her separation from Khan.
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