A Pakistani court has banned the solitary confinement of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi. The Islamabad High Court (IHC) also directed Adiala Jail authorities to arrange meetings between Imran Khan and his wife in accordance with prison rules.
The 73-year-old former star cricketer turned politician and his wife are currently held at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. They have been handed long prison terms in corruption and related cases.
The ruling came after Aleema Khan, sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, approached the court alleging he was being held in solitary confinement.
Separately, Mubashira Khawar Maneka, Bushra Bibi’s daughter, filed a separate petition concerning her mother.
Delivering the ruling, IHC Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro directed that, under prison rules, Imran Khan’s family members be given the opportunity to meet with him, and that arrangements be made for him to speak by telephone with his two sons.
The court also directed Adiala Jail authorities to supply Imran Khan with newspapers and books daily and to ensure he receives necessary medical care under prison rules.
The superintendent of Adiala Jail has been directed to ensure the court’s orders are implemented, and to submit a report to the court on their implementation within 15 days.