ISLAMABAD:
The superintendent of Adiala prison has opposed a request for meetings between former prime minister Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, and her family members, as well as access to a personal doctor, claiming such interactions were used for political messages outside the prison.
In a written report submitted to the Islamabad High Court (IHC), the prison inspector stated that family meetings were followed by public political statements and social media, which the administration said affected prison discipline and security.
The case came before Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir during the hearing of a petition filed by Bushra Bibi’s daughter, Mubashra Maneka. The petition sought permission for regular family meetings, access to a private doctor and the provision of essential items.
Islamabad Attorney General Naveed Malik and Adiala Jail Superintendent Sajid Baig appeared before the court during the case.
The report submitted by prison authorities specifically referred to social media posts attributed to Bushra Bibi’s sister, Maryam Riaz Wattoo, and claimed the tweets were shared after family meetings with the former first lady.
The administration claimed that such behavior raised concerns about prison management and security arrangements.
Advocate General Malik informed the court that the Superintendent had already decided the representation regarding prison meetings and had refused to allow immediate access. However, he clarified that the restriction was not permanent and could be revised later.
The petitioner’s lawyer, Salman Akram Raja, disputed the reasons cited by the jail authorities, arguing that the refusal was based on alleged political discussions that took place outside the jail.
Claiming that Maryam Riaz Wattoo had never visited the Adiala jail and was currently staying abroad, he questioned how her social media activity could be used as justification to prevent a daughter from meeting her mother.
At this time, Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir directed the Advocate General to obtain a statement from the relevant person regarding the case.
The Attorney General reiterated that the prison administration had not introduced a general ban and was acting in accordance with the demands of the prison management.
During the hearing, Commissioner Sajid Baig informed the court that Adiala Jail currently housed around 7,200 inmates and the meeting schedules were arranged separately according to the nature of the prisoners’ offences.
He said the meetings were held six days a week, from Monday to Saturday, under the prison manual and prison management information system.
Judge Tahir noted that the system appeared organized and said the court wanted to fully understand the procedure before making an order.
He emphasized that the prison administration must strictly follow the prison manual and ensure justice to all parties.
The court said it would hear the case in detail before issuing a final ruling and ordered authorities to facilitate a meeting between Bushra Bibi and her daughter whenever possible in the meantime.
The hearing was adjourned to May 14 with directions to all parties to present detailed arguments in light of the current prison rules.
