The Islamabad High Court on Wednesday summoned the superintendent of Adiala Jail to appear in person at the next hearing concerning a plea that seeks access for Bushra Bibi, wife of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, to a private doctor and family meetings.
During the proceedings before Justice Arbab Mohammad Tahir, Islamabad Advocate General Naveed Hayat Malik and lawyer Salman Akram Raja, representing Bushra Bibi’s daughter, engaged in a heated exchange. The judge began by congratulating Malik on his recent appointment, to which the advocate general replied that he had not yet formally assumed office.
The state counsel informed the court that the jail superintendent was en route but he did not appear during the hearing. Advocate General Malik requested a one-day extension, asserting that the matter was not urgent. Conversely, Raja emphasized the urgency, stating that family meetings were currently being denied. He pointed out that a scheduled meeting on Tuesday had not taken place.
Malik responded by highlighting that Bushra Bibi was a convicted prisoner and that her medical treatment was being provided in accordance with prison regulations. He added that a decision regarding her representation had already been made and that records of previous meetings could be submitted to the court.
Raja challenged the process, questioning how hearings could be conducted over the phone and insisted that Bushra Bibi’s daughter had been refused access. He noted that the last family meeting occurred on February 24 and claimed to have waited outside the jail for hours without being allowed to meet.
The verbal exchange between the two lawyers intensified, with Malik cautioning the court against being dictated to and offering to provide a detailed report on the matter. Justice Tahir remarked that if Malik was unavailable, another representative could appear on behalf of the state.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the absence of the jail superintendent despite court orders, the judge directed that he must appear in person at the next hearing. The judge warned that failure to comply could result in the superintendent being brought before the court forcibly.
Additionally, the court ordered that Bushra Bibi’s daughter be allowed to speak directly with the jail superintendent regarding arrangements for family meetings. The Islamabad High Court also requested comprehensive reports on Bushra Bibi’s medical status and the procedures governing prison visitations.
The hearing was adjourned until next Tuesday to allow time for these reports and the superintendent’s appearance.
