By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday restored a twice-weekly meeting schedule for jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, but barred attendees from speaking to the media afterwards.
The larger bench, led by acting Chief Justice Sardar Mohammad Sarfaraz Dogar and including Justices Arbab Mohammad Tahir and Mohammad Azam Khan, ruled that Khan, founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, may meet approved visitors on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Adiala Jail.
Khan’s lawyers had contested the limitations, arguing they contravened standard operating procedures (SOPs). Jail authorities had imposed curbs after his conviction in a foreign gifts case in January. They also said Khan’s party misused meetings for political purposes.
The court ordered that only approved individuals would be permitted to meet Khan, and that attendees would not make media statements outside the jail premises. Only individuals designated by Khan’s legal coordinator, Salman Akram Raja, will be permitted access.
The court also advised Khan to formally request the trial court for telephonic communication with his children, a matter outside the IHC’s jurisdiction.
During the hearing, PTI lawyers Salman Akram Raja and Chaudhry Zaheer Abbas contested what they called inconsistent implementation of meeting protocols.
Abbas told the court that even a scheduled March 20 meeting did not occur, violating “established standard operating procedures.”
Jail authorities, represented by lawyer Naveed Malik, defended the restrictions, citing revised security measures after Khan’s conviction in January in a case related to the unauthorized sale of state gifts.
Malik said that prior to December, biweekly meetings were permitted, but post-conviction protocols reduced these to one day with two sessions. “According to jail rules, the superintendent has the authority to adjust schedules,” Malik argued, adding that meetings had been “misused for political purposes,” with media briefings following each session.
Acting Chief Justice Dogar questioned the necessity of post-meeting media interactions, remarking, “The court is willing to restore two-day meetings if assurances against political statements are given.”
The court ultimately mandated an undertaking to prevent media engagements after meetings, balancing visitation rights with security protocols.
The decision drew mixed reactions within the PTI.
Party spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram hailed it as a victory, emphasizing that leaders could now meet Khan “without hurdles” after months of restrictions. “Visitors can still share details via press conferences, talk shows, or social media—just not outside the jail,” he said.
However, senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser criticized the ruling as “against the spirit of the Constitution,” asserting that sharing meeting details publicly was a constitutional right. He clarified this was his “personal opinion,” adding that the party would consult lawyers on whether to challenge the decision.
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