Rawalpindi: Lawyers representing Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan were allowed to enter Adiala Jail on Wednesday after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) directed prison authorities to facilitate meetings with the former prime minister in connection with his pending appeals.
Barrister Salman Safdar and Advocate Latif Khosa arrived at the prison to meet Khan, who is challenging his conviction alongside his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the 190 million pound Al Qadir Trust corruption case.
PTI lawyer Awais Younus Chaudhry both lawyers informed prison officials of the court's order and were subsequently permitted to enter the facility. According to Chaudhry, the lawyers were told that arrangements would be made for the meetings.
However, it was not immediately confirmed whether they had met Khan or whether their consultations would take place together or separately. Under Tuesday's court order, Safdar and Khosa were each entitled to a one hour meeting with the former prime minister.
Court orders access during corruption case appeals
The IHC issued the directions while hearing appeals filed by Khan and Bushra Bibi against their convictions in the 190 million pound reference. The case concerns allegations of financial irregularities involving the Al Qadir Trust and a settlement of funds repatriated from the United Kingdom.
Both Khan and Bushra Bibi have challenged their convictions, with the appeals pending before the high court. Access to legal counsel has remained an issue in the proceedings, as Khan's lawyers have repeatedly sought meetings to obtain instructions and prepare submissions.
The IHC had previously authorised meetings with Khan twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, for family members, lawyers and other approved visitors. However, the party has maintained that access to the former prime minister has remained restricted despite court directions.
Previous meeting held after seven-month gap
Safdar last met Khan on November 2 after approximately seven months without a meeting. The consultation lasted less than an hour and focused on matters relating to the former prime minister's legal cases, according to PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram.
Safdar had previously met Khan in April in his capacity as an amicus curiae, a lawyer appointed to assist the court. During the November meeting, he represented Khan as his legal counsel.
Khan has remained in custody since August 5, 2023, while Bushra Bibi was arrested on January 17, 2025, following their convictions in the Al Qadir Trust case. The restrictions on prison meetings have raised questions about the implementation of judicial orders and access to legal representation during appeal proceedings.
The latest court directive is intended to allow Khan's lawyers to consult him as they prepare arguments challenging the convictions. Confirmation of Wednesday's meetings and any further directions from the court were awaited.
