IHC: Imran Jail Visit Mechanism Already Exists
The Islamabad High Court on Thursday observed that a mechanism for jail visits already exists, as it heard a petition by members of the National Dialogue Committee seeking an Imran jail visit to meet the incarcerated PTI founder.
Justice Umair Majeed Malik made the observation while hearing the petition. He noted that any future requests for jail visits would be dealt with under the existing mechanism, and the necessary orders would be issued accordingly.
Imran jail visit: what the court observed
The hearing also covered objections raised by the Registrar’s Office. Advocate Faisal Chaudhry appeared before the court for the petitioners.
Justice Malik pointed out that the Registrar’s Office had raised an objection, noting that a mechanism for jail visits had already been established. The judge also questioned the legal basis for the petitioners’ claim to a right to such a meeting.
Advocate Faisal Chaudhry assured the court that the petitioners would strictly adhere to the standard operating procedures or mechanism established by the court, and that no media statements would be made following the jail visit.
Justice Malik reiterated that the existing order provided for future requests of this nature to be heard, and for orders to be issued accordingly.
Who filed the petition
The petitioners included former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry, former Sindh governor Imran Ismail, Mahmood Baqi Molvi and Barrister Muhammad Ali Khan Saif. They had asked the court for permission to meet Imran Khan in jail.
The court did not grant or refuse the meeting in Thursday’s hearing. It instead pointed the petitioners to the mechanism that is already in place, under which future requests are considered and orders are passed.
Visits to Adiala in recent weeks
Imran Khan has been in jail since August 2023 and is currently held in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. He was first jailed after his conviction in the Toshakhana case, and he has remained in custody since, facing a series of cases. Visits to him have been a recurring issue before the courts, with family members, lawyers and party leaders seeking access at different times.
Access to the PTI founder has been litigated repeatedly since his jailing, with the courts setting the terms for meetings. In recent weeks, meetings have taken place. Captain (retired) Safdar met Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in Adiala, as reported on November 2. Relatives of the former prime minister visited him in October.
Court cases around the PTI leadership have continued in parallel. A Lahore anti-terrorism court granted bail to four PTI leaders on November 3, while the Lahore High Court sought a government reply on a petition by Hassaan Niazi on November 2.
What happens next
Any fresh request for a jail visit will now be dealt with under the existing mechanism, the court said. The petitioners have assured the court that they will follow the standard operating procedures and will not make media statements after a visit.
Separately, the Islamabad High Court is set to hear Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi’s appeals in the 190 million pound corruption case on November 10. The court has granted Barrister Salman Safdar a final opportunity to commence his arguments.
Dawn reported the court’s observation on Thursday.
Frequently asked questions
Who sought permission to meet Imran Khan?
Members of the National Dialogue Committee, including former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry, former Sindh governor Imran Ismail, Mahmood Baqi Molvi and Barrister Muhammad Ali Khan Saif, petitioned the Islamabad High Court for permission to meet the PTI founder in jail.
What did the court decide?
The court observed that a mechanism for jail visits already exists. It said future requests would be dealt with under that mechanism, with orders issued as needed.
Can others still apply for a jail visit?
Yes. Justice Umair Majeed Malik said the existing order provides for future requests of this nature to be heard and for orders to be issued accordingly.
When will the 190 million pound appeals be heard?
The Islamabad High Court is set to hear Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi’s appeals in the 190 million pound corruption case on November 10.
