IHC hears contempt petition over denied jail meeting with Imran Khan

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) took up a contempt of court petition concerning the refusal to allow lawyer Salman Akram Raja to meet Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan in Adiala Jail.

Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, presiding over the hearing, issued notices to the Interior Secretary and the Superintendent of Adiala Jail, seeking their response on the matter. The court also directed the Assistant Attorney General to ensure Raja is allowed to meet his client.

Salman Akram Raja, representing Imran Khan in the upcoming X-account (Twitter account) case, told the court that despite a written order, he had been denied access during his scheduled visit last Tuesday. “If I cannot meet him in jail, how will I assist in the X-case?” Justice Tahir quoted Raja.

Justice Tahir expressed concern over the non-compliance with court orders, saying “We will take action according to the law.” He focused on the urgency, noting, “You will get the date before the hearing of the X-account case,” which is scheduled for December.

During proceedings, the Assistant Attorney General informed the court that he would again notify the relevant authorities regarding the meeting. Justice Tahir summoned him to the rostrum and questioned, “Why did they not meet after our order?”

Raja urged the court to allow the meeting, pointing out that today coincided with the scheduled date of the jail visit. The court has directed authorities to facilitate the meeting ahead of the X-account case hearing.