IHC dismisses Imran Khan's plea for jail facilities

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday dismissed the petition filed by former Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan, which sought a court order for Adiala Jail officials to facilitate his phone call with his sons, arrange medical checkups from a family doctor, and allow meetings with party leaders.

The case was heard by IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq. Imran Khan's lawyer, Faisal Chaudhry, and the superintendent of Adiala Jail appeared in court.

The Chief Justice inquired about the facilities provided to Imran Khan in jail. In response, the jail superintendent stated that the former prime minister had been granted all the amenities afforded to B-Class prisoners.

These included access to two newspapers, 16 TV channels, and the service of a personal cook. The superintendent further clarified that while prisoners are generally allowed family visits and lawyer meetings twice a week, Imran Khan was being allowed meetings three to four times a week.

He also mentioned that Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, who was previously incarcerated in the Al-Qadir Trust case, was permitted visits with her husband. He confirmed that similar arrangements would be made for them now that both were convicted.

The Chief Justice addressed the request for a phone call with Imran's sons abroad.

The superintendent explained that while the call could not be arranged due to the potential for other prisoners to demand the same privilege, the jail’s rules and government policy did not permit it. He added that allowing such a call could set a precedent, especially with foreign prisoners in the facility.

Faisal Chaudhry reminded the court that it had previously permitted Imran Khan’s meetings with his family doctor.

In response, the superintendent assured that the jail provided comprehensive medical care, with doctors conducting daily examinations of all prisoners.