Islamabad HC Orders End To Solitary Confinement For Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi; Directs Family Meetings, Calls And Medical Care

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed Adiala Jail authorities to ensure that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, are not kept in solitary confinement, while ordering wider access to family members, telephone calls, newspapers, books and medical treatment.

Court Orders Family Meetings And Phone Calls

Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro passed the directions while disposing of petitions challenging the alleged isolation of the former first couple.

The court held that the petitions were maintainable, citing legal precedents including the Begum Nusrat Bhutto and Begum Shamim Afridi cases.

The Adiala Jail superintendent has been directed to facilitate a meeting between Khan and Bushra Bibi in accordance with prison rules. Khan's family members must also be allowed to meet him as permitted under jail regulations.

The court further ordered arrangements for telephone conversations between Khan and his sons, who live abroad.

However, it said the telephone facility could be withdrawn if recordings of the conversations were used for political purposes.

Newspapers, Books And Medical Care Ordered

The IHC directed jail authorities to provide Khan with newspapers and books every day.

It also ordered the authorities to ensure that he receives medical facilities in accordance with applicable prison rules.

The Adiala Jail superintendent has been instructed to strictly implement the court's directions and submit a compliance report within 15 days.

Family Had Alleged Prolonged Isolation

The ruling follows months of disagreement over the conditions under which Khan and Bushra Bibi are being held.

Petitions filed by Khan's sister Aleema Khan and Bushra Bibi's daughter, Mubashra Khawar Maneka, alleged that the two had been subjected to prolonged isolation and faced restrictions on family and legal access.

Jail authorities and the government rejected the allegations, maintaining that neither prisoner was technically being held in solitary confinement.

Officials said Khan was housed separately for security reasons and had access to a compound containing several cells rather than being confined to a single cell continuously. Similar security considerations were cited for Bushra Bibi's separate accommodation.

PTI, however, disputed the government's position and argued that the restrictions had effectively isolated the couple.

Khan's Health Remains A Concern

The IHC ruling also comes amid renewed concerns over Khan's health.

On August 18, Pakistan's Supreme Court ordered his transfer from jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for treatment amid concerns over deteriorating eyesight. His family and PTI had repeatedly sought specialist medical care for the former premier.

Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023 and continues to face multiple convictions and legal cases. His prolonged imprisonment, health and detention conditions remain a major political flashpoint in Pakistan.