IHC directs jail staff to arrange WhatsApp call of Imran with his sons

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed Adiala Jail authorities to arrange telephonic conversation of PTI founder Imran Khan with his sons.

The court, while directing to arrange conversation of Imran Khan with his sons by telephone and his medical check-up by his personal physician as per orders of division bench, inquired Bushra Bibi is now convicted and what is procedure regarding her meeting with Imran Khan. What is procedure for WhatsApp call of Imran Khan with his sons and his treatment by his personal doctor? The court directed assistant superintendent jail to seek directives from superintendent jail on two questions and file reply till Monday. The petition regarding medical treatment of Imran by his personal physician, meeting with his wife and facilities regarding his telephonic call with his sons came up for hearing before IHC CJ Aamer Farooq Thursday. The court directed for arranging meeting of wife of Imran Khan and political leaders as per jail rules. Faisal Chaudhry, counsel for Imran Khan and Assistant Superintendent Adiala jail appeared in the court. Counsel for PTI founder took the plea that facilities were withdrawn despite orders of this court. TV and additional newspaper have been restored after the notice was taken by the court. Permission has been given for meeting 2 days in a week. There is meeting of family and lawyers on Tuesday. Thursday is day for meeting of friends and political leaders. I don’t want to file any petition. Only permission be granted for meeting in jail. The IHC CJ inquired who gives list for meeting in jail and what is process? Assistant Superintendent Jail Waqi uz Zaman told the court coordinator of Imran gives the name for meeting. Later consultation is made with Imran Khan and permission is given for meeting. The IHC CJ inquired from Faisal Chaudhry what does he want. He replied, “I want to be allowed to meet today. Keep the application pending for tomorrow so that the things could become clear.” PTI founder is not being allowed to meet his wife and political leaders, he added. Deputy Superintendent Adiala Jail said, “I obtain the information but meeting can be arranged inside the jail.” Counsel for PTI said telephonic talks of Imran Khan with his children have been arranged for two times only despite court’s orders.

The IHC CJ inquired that what is the procedure of WhatsApp call. Jail authorities said, “We have arranged meeting under the directives of trial courts on humanitarian grounds.” The IHC CJ remarked, “Obtain directives from superintendent Adiala jail and tell us.” The court adjourned hearing of the case till January 27.