IHC summons Adiala jail superintendent on plea seeking access to Bushra Bibi

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court on Wednesday summoned the Adiala Jail superintendent to appear in person at the next hearing on a plea seeking access to a private doctor and family meetings for Bushra Bibi, the wife of former prime minister Imran Khan.

When Justice Arbab Mohammad Tahir took up the case, Islamabad Advocate General Naveed Hayat Malik and lawyer Salman Akram Raja, appearing on behalf of Bushra Bibi’s daughter, exchanged heated words.

At the outset of the hearing, the judge congratulated Malik on his recent appointment, to which the advocate general responded that he was yet to formally assume charge.

The state counsel told the court that the Adiala jail superintendent was on his way, but he did not appear during the proceedings.

The advocate general sought one day’s time, saying the matter was not urgent. However, Raja argued the matter was of an urgent nature as family meeting was not being allowed.

“The matter is urgent as even family meetings are not taking place,” Raja told the court, adding that a scheduled meeting on Tuesday had not been facilitated.

The advocate general said Bushra Bibi was a convicted prisoner and her treatment was being handled in accordance with jail rules.

He added that a decision had already been taken on her representation and that records of past meetings could be presented.

Raja questioned the process, asking how a hearing could be conducted over the phone, and insisted that Bushra Bibi’s daughter had been denied the meeting. He said the last family meeting took place on Feb. 24 and claimed he had waited outside the jail for hours without being allowed access.

The exchange between the two lawyers grew tense during the hearing, with the advocate general saying the court should not be “dictated to,” while also offering to submit a detailed report.

Justice Tahir remarked that if the advocate general was unavailable, another lawyer could appear on behalf of the state.

Expressing displeasure over the absence of the jail superintendent despite court directions, the judge ordered him to appear in person at the next hearing, warning that he could be brought before the court if he failed to comply.

The court also directed that Bushra Bibi’s daughter be heard in person by the jail superintendent regarding the meeting arrangements.

The high court sought detailed reports on Bushra Bibi’s medical condition and prison meeting procedures, and adjourned the hearing until next Tuesday.