The Islamabad High Court (IHC) issued an order on Thursday requiring Adiala Jail officials to present Imran Khan, the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), before the court today at 3 PM for a meeting with his legal representatives.
This directive followed the hearing of a PTI petition challenging the restrictions on Khan’s meetings with lawyers. During the proceedings, the State Counsel informed the court that the Punjab government had imposed the ban based on concerns regarding the law and order situation.
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Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan questioned whether this restriction extended to lawyers as well. The petitioner noted that since October 3, no legal representatives had been permitted to meet with Khan. PTI lawyer Shoaib Shaheen raised concerns about potential security issues if they attempted to visit the jail.
In response, Justice Sardar indicated that if the Punjab government had indeed prohibited lawyer meetings, this could be construed as contempt of court. He highlighted that many letters concerning security issues are frequently written, and if these communications lack credibility, it raises questions about their validity.
He further stated that he would personally interrogate those who authored the letters under oath to determine the truth of the situation. The judge ordered the jail superintendent to ensure proper security arrangements and facilitate Khan’s presence in court. If this order was not executed, the superintendent would be summoned to explain the failure to comply.
Addressing the superintendent, he remarked, “I am aware you may not carry out my instructions.” He reiterated that any claims of security concerns would require satisfactory justification to the court.
