By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court on Thursday ordered the superintendent of Adiala jail to restore a twice-weekly visitation schedule for former Prime Minister Imran Khan, rebuking prison authorities amid accusations from his party that meetings with the jailed leader had been systematically obstructed.
The directive, issued by a three-judge bench led by Justice Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar and including Justices Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Muhammad Azam Khan, came as the court consolidated 11 petitions from leaders of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, seeking unimpeded access to the former premier.
Family members and party officials have long contended that jail officials were “sabotaging” these encounters, a charge that surfaced repeatedly during a contentious hearing. Superintendent Abdul Ghafoor Anjum, who appeared in court, was instructed to comply with a March 24 order allowing the meetings while adhering to standard operating procedures. The court further directed him to arrange visits based on lists submitted by PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, who was also present.
Tensions flared during the proceedings as Raja and Anjum exchanged pointed accusations. Raja insisted that “not even once” had the earlier court order been followed, despite the party providing names for visitors. Anjum countered that “regular meetings” had occurred but claimed no such list had been received.
Among the petitioners was Sohail Afridi, the newly elected chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, who attended the hearing. Shortly after it ended, Afridi headed to Adiala jail but later reported being denied entry. In a video posted by the PTI on its X account, Afridi addressed reporters outside the facility, explaining his intent. “I have to implement my leader’s policies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He might give me some good advice inside. There is nothing wrong with us wanting to meet our leader.”
A follow-up post, reshared by the party, depicted Afridi and others seated on the ground in protest. “A symbolic sit-in is under way,” the caption read, alleging defiance of the court’s instructions.
A statement from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister’s secretariat later confirmed that “despite the court’s explicit permission, the chief minister was not allowed to meet his party leader.” Speaking to journalists at the jail’s entrance, Afridi described the refusal as emblematic not of his own limitations but of “the helplessness of the judiciary itself.” “If court orders are not being respected, it raises serious questions about the state of justice in the country,” Afridi said.
He emphasised that his visit was “purely Constitutional and aimed at seeking guidance from his party leader on key policy matters related to governance” in the province. “For the past two years, I have not met my leader,” he said. “Yesterday’s meeting was important for taking policy direction and moving forward in line with the vision of Imran Khan.”
He detailed his efforts to secure the meeting through official channels, including contacts with the Punjab Home Department, the federal government and the chief justice, before turning to the high court. “Whatever instructions come from Imran Khan, I will implement them in letter and spirit,” Afridi said. “No cabinet will be formed without the guidance of Imran Khan.”
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