'Imran Khan meeting wife every Wednesday,' jail superintendent tells court

Superintendent of Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi, Abdul Ghafoor Anjum, has informed the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that former premier Imran Khan is being allowed to meet his wife, Bushra Bibi, once a week, despite jail rules not permitting such meetings.

The development came after the IHC had earlier summoned the Superintendent of Adiala Jail in person today in a contempt of court case for not allowing PTI founder Imran Khan to meet Bushra Bibi.

Upon being approached by Imran Khan’s lawyer, Faisal Chaudhry, Acting Chief Justice Sardar Sarfaraz Dogar had earlier issued a written order, stating that, according to the lawyer, Imran Khan’s inability to meet Bushra Bibi is a violation of the court’s decision of January 28.

The media reports claimed that in today’s hearing, the court inquired Anjum whether the judicial order for facilitating meetings was being implemented, to which he responded, “There are no specific provisions regarding husband-wife meetings in jail rules, but we ensure that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi meet every Wednesday.”

Dogar commented, “Mr Faisal, they are giving you special treatment.” 

PTI's lawyer then urged the court to order the superintendent to comply fully with the court order, prompting Dogar to ask, “Does he [Adiala jail Superintendent] have the audacity to disobey a court order?”

Following the hearing, the IHC dismissed the contempt petition against the authorities.

PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram, while addressing a press conference in Peshawar on Monday, castigated the authorities for denying permission to meet the incarcerated party founder. He stated that despite court rulings, the authorities continue to prevent the meetings from taking place.

Alleging that only one meeting has been allowed in the past six months, he noted that this contradicts the Constitution and the law. “Despite court orders, Imran is not being allowed to meet his children nor his lawyers,” he added.

“Even the courts' orders are being disregarded, and no explanation is being given...the system in this country is paralysed," he added. Additionally, he said the PTI founder should undergo regular medical check-ups and “our doctors should be involved”.

On August 5, 2023, Imran Khan was arrested from his residency at Zaman Park Lahore shortly after his conviction in the Toshakhana case and had been held in Attock jail. He has been in prison since then on multiple charges ranging from corruption to terrorism.

Following the Islamabad High Court (IHC) order, Imran Khan was shifted to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on September 27, 2023. Currently, he is held in Jail under high security and with B-class facilities due to his status as a former premier.