Islamabad High Court Orders Adiala Jail to Allow PTI Leaders’ Meetings with Imran Khan, reaffirming its earlier ruling that permits party members to meet the incarcerated PTI founder twice a week. The directive was issued on Thursday by a bench led by Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar, following petitions filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, who sought a meeting with Imran Khan to discuss policy matters and the formation of the new provincial cabinet.
The three-member bench, also comprising Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Justice Azam Khan, instructed the Adiala Jail superintendent to fully implement the court’s March 24 order, which had reinstated meetings with Imran Khan on Tuesdays and Thursdays under the prescribed standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Despite the court’s fresh directions, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s convoy was stopped by police at the Dahgal checkpoint near Adiala Jail as he attempted to visit the PTI founder. Sources said the chief minister was en route to meet Imran Khan when security personnel halted his motorcade.
It is important to note that the same IHC bench had earlier permitted PTI leaders to meet Imran Khan twice weekly but imposed a strict prohibition on any media interactions following the meetings. The court maintained that no individual meeting the former prime minister would be allowed to hold a press talk afterwards.
Imran Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 after his conviction in the Toshakhana case-I. The PTI founder, who was removed from power in April 2022, continues to face several legal battles, including charges of corruption and terrorism. The Islamabad High Court Orders Adiala Jail to Allow PTI Leaders’ Meetings with Imran Khan decision once again underscores the judiciary’s role in regulating access to the former premier amid heightened political tensions.
