IHC directs jail authorities not to put Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi in solitary confinement

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has restrained jail authorities from putting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in solitary confinement.

Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro of the Islamabad High Court disposed of petitions contesting the claimed solitary confinement of the two detainees and issued a series of directives to the Adiala Jail officials.

The petitions have been filed by Aleema Khan on behalf of Imran Khan and Musharrafa Khawar Maneka against the purported isolation of PTI founder and Bushra Bibi.

The court in its order directed the superintendent of Adiala Jail to ensure that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi are not put in solitary confinement. The authorities were also ordered to arrange a meeting between Bushra Bibi and Imran Khan.

The court ruled that Imran Khan be permitted to meet his family in compliance with prison rules and be allowed to talk to his boys on the phone.

The IHC also ordered the jail officials to distribute newspapers and books daily to Imran Khan.

The ruling also said that his audio recordings might be provided with safeguards, and that the facility could be withdrawn if the recordings were exploited.

The court ordered authorities to provide Imran Khan with medical amenities according to jail rules.

The IHC deemed the petitions admissible on the grounds laid down in the Nusrat Bhutto case and Begum Shamim Afridi case.