IHC directs PTI counsel to file contempt plea over non-compliance with court orders

Directives come on plea seeking implementation of court order allowing Imran and Bushra to meet

ISLAMABAD':

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) expressed displeasure on Monday over the jail authorities' failure to comply with court orders regarding arranging a meeting between incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi.

The latter remains incarcerated in the couple's Bani Gala residence after it was declared a sub-jail.

Justice Miangul Hasan Aurganzeb, presiding over the plea, instructed the PTI counsel Usman Gul to file a contempt of court petition. The judge inquired why the court order was not complied with.

At the outset of the hearing, Justice Aurangzeb stated that the court had already disposed of the matter with directions. The petitioner's counsel told the court that today they were seeking the execution of the same order.

The failure to comply with the court order irked the judge, who then directed the petitioner's counsel to file a contempt petition. “We will take action, how can court orders be ignored?”

The petitioner's lawyer urged the court to direct the jail authorities to arrange a meeting between Imran and Bushra on the occasion of Eid as the matter came under their jurisdiction.

Read IHC allows meetings at Imran’s behest only

The court further directed the Advocate General's Office to contact the concerned authorities and inform them regarding the matter today. It also summoned the Islamabad advocate general.

As the court resumed hearing the matter following a short break, it asked the advocate general why the court order was not implemented. The court also directed the state counsel to respond after contacting the chief commissioner's office, Adiala jail authorities, and other related entities.

At the last hearing, the IHC allowed a meeting between the incarcerated former premier and wife Bushra Bibi over Eidul Fitr.

The court observed that the two should be allowed to meet over the occasion and additionally allowed a meeting per week.

Justice Aurganzeb expressed displeasure at the jail administration for not permitting the two to meet and not transferring the PTI founder's wife to Adiala jail.

The court criticized the authorities' clarification for not transferring Bushra Bibi, asserting it lacked coherence in light of the ongoing admissions.

The judge also admonished the administration for failing to satisfy the court's concerns and observed that they undermined the rule of law.