The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has requested a comprehensive report from the superintendent of Adiala Jail regarding allegations that former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, are being subjected to solitary confinement and unlawful treatment while in custody.
In a detailed 10-page order issued by Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro, the court addressed petitions filed by Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, and Bushra Bibi’s daughter, Mubashra Maneka. The court emphasized that such serious accusations could not be overlooked or dismissed without notifying the relevant respondents and obtaining an official response from the jail authorities.
The order pointed out that existing records indicate both individuals were sentenced to rigorous and simple imprisonment as a consequence of non-payment of fines, but solitary confinement was not included as part of their sentences.
Meanwhile, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutor denied the claims of solitary confinement, labeling them as false and politically motivated.
In a significant development, the court directed the Adiala Jail superintendent to submit a factual report confirming whether Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi are indeed held in solitary confinement. If confirmed, the report must detail who authorized the confinement, the legal basis for the decision, and the duration involved.
Additionally, the IHC instructed jail officials to provide information on the current health and condition of the prisoners, the facilities being provided under prison regulations, and to present the full prison records and related documents through an authorized officer at the next hearing.
Notices have been issued to the superintendent of Adiala Jail, the Inspector General of Prisons, and the chairman of NAB. The court noted that the petitions’ validity would be assessed only after reviewing the jail superintendent’s report.
The hearing has been postponed until August 6 for further proceedings.
