A high court in Pakistan has issued a significant directive concerning the incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi. The court instructed prison authorities that the couple must not be subjected to solitary confinement inside the detention facility. The 73-year-old former leader and his wife are currently serving lengthy sentences over corruption-related convictions at Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail.
Islamabad High Court Directive
Justice Khadim Hussain Somro of the Islamabad High Court accepted the petitions challenging their alleged solitary detention as maintainable. The court further mandated that family members be allowed to visit Imran Khan under standard prison guidelines. Additionally, authorities were directed to arrange telephone communication so they can speak with their sons.
Medical and Daily Amenities
The bench instructed the Adiala Jail administration to provide daily newspapers and books to Imran Khan, alongside necessary medical assistance as mandated by prison regulations. The superintendent of the jail was tasked with ensuring strict compliance with these directives and submitting a formal report within 15 days.
Background of the Petitions
Justice Somro had reserved judgment on August 6 following separate petitions filed by Imran Khan's sister Aleema Khanum and Bushra Bibi's daughter Mubashara Khawar Maneka. These legal filings had specifically challenged the practice of keeping both individuals in isolation.
Imprisonment Timeline
Imran Khan has been behind bars since August 2023. He and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party have consistently maintained that the convictions against him are politically motivated. Supporters and relatives previously alleged that authorities restricted their access to family visits and proper healthcare, accusations that the government has denied. Meanwhile, Bushra Bibi was first sent to prison on January 31, 2024, and following subsequent corruption convictions, she remains detained at Adiala Jail.
