IHC suspends order nullifying ban on political discussions in jail meetings

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday suspended a single bench verdict that had struck down a clause in the Punjab prison rules prohibiting political discussions among inmates.

A larger bench of the IHC, headed by Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, issued the suspension while hearing an intra-court appeal filed against the earlier ruling. The Punjab government had challenged the single bench’s decision, arguing that lifting the restriction could disrupt prison discipline and security.

The earlier single bench verdict had declared the ban on political conversations during prison visits as unlawful, allowing inmates to engage in political discussions with visitors. The order was seen as having potential implications for high-profile prisoners, including politicians currently serving sentences or under detention.

By suspending the single bench’s order, the larger bench has temporarily restored the original clause in the Punjab Prison Rules that bars inmates from engaging in political discussions.

The case originated after Islamabad High Court had earlier directed authorities to facilitate meetings between lawyers and political detainees, including former prime minister Imran Khan.