Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday questioned the legal basis of a petition seeking permission for members of the National Dialogue Committee (NDC) to meet former prime minister Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, observing that a larger bench had already established procedures governing such visits.
Justice Umair Majeed Malik heard the petition alongside objections raised by the court's Registrar's Office. The judge noted that an existing judicial order provided a mechanism for considering requests to meet the incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) founder.
The petition was filed by former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry, former Sindh governor Imran Ismail, Mahmood Baqi Molvi and Barrister Muhammad Ali Khan Saif through advocate Faisal Chaudhry.
During the hearing, Justice Malik questioned the petitioners' legal entitlement to meet Khan, noting that the Registrar's Office had objected to the application because procedures for jail visits had already been established.
In response, Faisal Chaudhry assured the court that the applicants would comply with the prescribed standard operating procedures and would not address the media following any meeting.
The judge reiterated that the larger bench's order already provided for subsequent applications to be considered through the established judicial process. The court indicated that an order would be issued on the matter.
Petition raises concerns over access and welfare
The NDC members had approached the high court seeking directions to the Adiala Jail authorities to arrange a meeting with Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi. In their petition, the applicants expressed concern over the couple's health and welfare, alleging that restrictions on visits by relatives and associates had prevented them from obtaining information about their condition.
They also argued that the restrictions were contributing to speculation about Khan's treatment in custody.
The petition cited Articles 9 and 14 of the Constitution, relating to security of person and human dignity, alongside the Pakistan Prison Rules, 1978, and international standards governing the treatment of prisoners. The applicants maintained that access to Khan was relevant to their stated objectives of political dialogue and national reconciliation.
Existing mechanism remains central to proceedings
The hearing highlighted the distinction between seeking permission for a prison visit and establishing a legal entitlement to that visit. While the petitioners maintained that access was necessary to assess Khan's welfare and facilitate dialogue, the court focused on whether their request fell within the procedures already approved by a larger bench.
The proceedings did not establish that the NDC delegation had been granted permission to meet Khan. Any further consideration of the request will depend on the existing judicial mechanism and subsequent court orders.
