IHC orders Imran’s meeting with sister after jail ban is lifted

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday directed the jail authorities to allow a meeting between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) founder and his sister following strict adherence to jail protocols, after the temporary ban on visits is lifted.

During a hearing, the Islamabad High Court ordered the jail authorities to provide all necessary facilities for a meeting between the PTI founder and his sister. The court also sought a medical report on the PTI leader’s health.

Hearing the case, Chief Justice Aamer Farooq, acknowledged a security threat had been raised by the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) and referred to a letter from the Punjab government which outlined the gravity of the situation. However, the court observed that Imran Niazi’s health and safety remain important,. During the proceedings, Additional Attorney General Munawar Iqbal Duggal presented a notification from the Ministry of Interior, which had led to the decision to ban all meetings at Adiala Jail. Duggal explained that the restriction was not specifically targeted at Niazi, but applied to all inmates due to heightened security concerns. The ban, enforced by Adiala Jail authorities, covers the period from October 5 to October 18, aligning with security measures taken during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting.

Advocate Salman Akram Raja argued that the request was limited to a brief meeting between the PTI founder and his sister, and doctor. He mentioned rumours circulating about the PTI founder’s health in jail and stressed that this meeting should be allowed on humanitarian grounds. After hearing the arguments, the court adjourned the case until October 17.