ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has reinstated the biweekly meeting schedule for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, allowing visitors to meet him every Tuesday and Thursday.
The ruling came after a hearing held by a larger bench, including Acting Chief Justice Sarfaraz Dogar, Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, and Justice Muhammad Azam, who were reviewing the case concerning the PTI leader’s interaction with his family and party members while incarcerated.
Meetings to Resume as per Original Schedule
In its decision, the court ordered the restoration of the meetings as initially scheduled, with the PTI founder now able to meet designated individuals on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The court emphasized that only those individuals named by Imran Khan’s coordinator, Salman Akram Raja, would be allowed to visit.
The Islamabad High Court also issued a clear directive, forbidding any media talks after meetings with Imran Khan. The ruling aims to prevent the use of these meetings for political purposes, a concern raised during the hearing.
Security Concerns and Changes in Status
During the proceedings, the Adiala Jail superintendent’s counsel informed the court that the meetings had resumed in December but were disrupted after January when Khan’s status changed from an under-trial prisoner to a convicted individual. This change, along with rising security concerns, led to the suspension of the regular meeting schedule.
Despite these factors, the court ruled that regular visits should continue under the same guidelines as before, with meetings taking place every Tuesday as per the standard operating procedures (SOPs). The bench also noted that those seeking to meet Imran Khan would have to abide by specific protocols, including a commitment to return after the meeting without engaging in media discussions.
Court’s Strong Stance on Media Talks
The court’s decision also addressed concerns about media interactions following meetings. Justice Dogar questioned the necessity of media briefings post-meeting, noting that political discussions following jail visits were becoming increasingly common. In response, the court emphasized that no individual would be permitted to hold media talks after meeting with the PTI founder.
This ruling aims to restore a controlled and disciplined approach to Imran Khan’s interactions while ensuring security and preventing the misuse of his time in jail for political leverage.
As the case continues, the IHC’s decision to restore the biweekly meetings provides a clearer path forward for PTI leaders and family members seeking to engage with Imran Khan during his incarceration.
