slamabad High Court seeks detailed arguments on Bushra Bibi jail meetings petition

By Sadia khan :

The Islamabad High Court on Tuesday sought detailed arguments in a petition concerning prison meetings and facilities for former first lady Bushra Bibi, as authorities defended restrictions imposed at Adiala Jail and cited concerns over political activity linked to prison visits.

The case was heard by Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir after a petition was filed by Bushra Bibi’s daughter, Mubashara Maneka, seeking permission for regular meetings with family members, access to a personal doctor and the provision of essential items inside the prison.

During the proceedings, the court was informed that the jail administration had rejected a request allowing meetings beyond the standard prison arrangements. Appearing before the bench were petitioner’s lawyer Salman Akram Raja, Islamabad Advocate General Naveed Hayat Malik and Adiala Jail Superintendent Sajid Baig.

The Advocate General told the court that the jail superintendent had independently reviewed and dismissed Mubashara Maneka’s application regarding family visits and medical access.

A report submitted by the prison authorities claimed that discussions of a political nature had taken place outside the jail following meetings with the former first lady. The report also referred to social media posts allegedly shared by Bushra Bibi’s sister, Maryam Riaz Wattoo, after prison visits.

However, Salman Akram Raja challenged the claim in court, arguing that Maryam Riaz Wattoo had never visited Adiala Jail and was currently residing abroad. He questioned how prison authorities could deny a daughter access to her mother based on statements or online activity attributed to another individual.

Justice Tahir observed that the matter required a detailed examination of jail rules and procedures before any final ruling could be issued. The judge also directed the Advocate General to obtain an affidavit from the relevant individual if necessary to clarify the claims raised by prison authorities.

The jail superintendent informed the court that approximately 7,200 inmates were currently housed at Adiala Jail and that meetings with prisoners were conducted six days a week in accordance with prison regulations.

The hearing comes amid continuing tensions surrounding access to jailed former prime minister Imran Khan and members of his family. On the same day, Khan’s sisters and several leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf were reportedly denied permission to meet him at Adiala Jail despite arriving at the prison facility.

Among those stopped from meeting the former premier were PTI leaders and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s close political associates, according to party officials. Khan’s sister Aleema Khan criticised the move and alleged that it violated existing court orders permitting family meetings every Tuesday.

The restrictions have added to growing friction between PTI and the authorities since Khan’s imprisonment in multiple legal cases. The party has repeatedly accused the government and prison officials of obstructing access to the former prime minister and limiting communication with his legal team and relatives.

Separately, PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram also condemned the government’s decision to ban the Gilgit-Baltistan Democratic Party, calling it an attempt to suppress political opposition and democratic activity in the region.

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