IHC Orders Protection for Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in Jail

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has intervened to ensure that former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, are not subjected to solitary confinement at Adiala Jail. This ruling came on Tuesday as the court declared petitions challenging their alleged isolation maintainable.

Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro announced the decision, which references previous cases involving significant political figures, affirming the right to humane treatment. The court directed jail officials to facilitate family meetings and ensure Imran retains access to communication with his sons, while also mandating the provision of newspapers and medical care.

In a notable challenge to the jail's previous assertions, the court specifically ordered the jail superintendent to confirm that Bushra Bibi is not held in solitary confinement and to submit a compliance report in 15 days. The petitions were initiated by Imran’s sister Aleema Khan and Bushra's daughter, who argued that the couple’s treatment amounts to prolonged isolation.

While jail authorities refuted claims of solitary confinement, asserting that both were housed separately for security reasons, petitioners argued that such conditions lead to mental distress and limited access to legal representation and family. Following recent media coverage of Imran's sons, the Ministry of Information defended the treatment of the former prime minister, dismissing claims of punitive confinement as false.

Source: www.dawn.com