ISLAMABAD:
The superintendent of Adiala Jail has opposed a request for meetings between former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi and her relatives, as well as access to a personal doctor, arguing that such interactions were being used for political messages outside the prison.
In a written report submitted to the Islamabad High Court (IHC), the jail superintendent alleged that the family gatherings were followed by public political statements and social media activity, which the administration said affected jail discipline and security.
The matter came before Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir during the hearing of a petition filed by Bushra Bibi’s daughter Mubashra Maneka. The petition asked for permission for regular family gatherings, access to a private doctor and provision of essential items.
Islamabad Attorney General Naveed Malik and Adiala Jail Superintendent Sajid Baig appeared before the court during the proceedings.
The report filed by prison authorities specifically referred to social media posts attributed to Bushra Bibi’s sister, Maryam Riaz Wattoo, stating that tweets were shared after family gatherings with the former first lady.
The administration argued that such conduct raised concerns about prison management and security arrangements.
Advocate General Malik informed the court that the superintendent had already decided on representation regarding the prison meetings and had refused to allow immediate access. However, he clarified that the restriction was not permanent and could be reviewed later.
The petitioner’s lawyer, Salman Akram Raja, challenged the reasons given by the prison authorities and argued that the refusal was based on alleged political discussions taking place outside the prison.
He maintained that Maryam Riaz Wattoo had never visited Adiala Jail and was currently residing abroad, and questioned how her social media activity could be used as a justification to prevent a daughter from meeting her mother.
At that time, Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir ordered the attorney general to obtain an affidavit from the relevant person regarding the matter.
The advocate general reiterated that the prison administration had not imposed a total ban and was acting in accordance with the requirements of prison management.
During the hearing, Superintendent Sajid Baig informed the court that the Adiala jail was currently housing around 7,200 inmates and meeting timings were arranged separately depending on the nature of the inmates’ crimes.
He said the meetings were held six days a week, from Monday to Saturday, under the prison manual and the Prison Management Information System.
Justice Tahir noted that the system appeared organized and said the court wanted to fully understand the procedure before making any order.
He stressed that the prison administration must strictly follow the prison manual and ensure equity for all parties.
The court said it would hear the matter in detail before issuing a final ruling and ordered authorities to facilitate a meeting between Bushra Bibi and her daughter wherever possible in the meantime.
The hearing was adjourned until May 14, with instructions for all parties to present detailed arguments in light of applicable prison regulations.
