SC seeks updated report on Imran Khan’s prison conditions

WEB DESK: The Supreme Court has issued a written order requesting an updated report on the prison facilities and living conditions of the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently in custody.

Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan appeared before the court and briefed the judges on a report regarding Khan’s conditions in jail. However, the court noted that the report submitted by the Attorney General pertained to 2023 and Attock Jail, and did not reflect the current situation.

The court has directed the Superintendent of Central Jail Rawalpindi to submit a detailed report on Khan’s present living conditions. In addition, Barrister Salman Safdar, appointed as amicus curiae (friend of the court), has been instructed to meet Khan today.

The court granted the amicus curiae full access to Khan and permission to inspect jail facilities. Barrister Safdar has been ordered to submit his findings to the judges’ chambers by February 11, 2026, at noon.

The next hearing of the case has been adjourned until February 12, 2026, pending submission of the updated reports.

SC denies meeting

The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Monday denied a request for an immediate meeting with Khan. A two-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan, rejected the plea submitted by senior PTI leader Latif Khosa, noting that no directive could be issued without first notifying the government.

The court emphasised that any order for a meeting could not be passed ex parte and must follow proper procedural channels. A notice has been issued to the government, with the matter to be addressed further in upcoming hearings. The request reflects ongoing PTI concerns over restricted access to Khan, with the party seeking visitation rights for his family, legal counsel, personal doctors, and associates, citing repeated denials despite previous court directives.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had forwarded a PTI memorandum demanding immediate visitation rights to relevant authorities for consideration under the law. The apex court has also scheduled a hearing for 13 petitions involving Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, which raise issues including denied access on designated days, medical care, and concerns about Khan’s health.