IHC seeks report on release of Imran Khan's Adiala jail room photos

Justice Saman finds it "unacceptable that court cant facilitate jail meetings between lawyers clients"

ISLAMABAD:

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has requested a detailed report on the release of the photos of the jail cell housing the PTI's incarcerated founder Imran Khan.

Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz presided over the hearing of the petition filed by Imran Khan’s legal counsel Naeem Panjotha.

Justice Saman called for arguments in the next session.

Expressing concerns about the Punjab government's report, Justice Saman remarked that the responsibilities outside the jail fall under jurisdiction of the district police.

Additional Advocate General Punjab informed the court that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been prepared according to Imran Khan's preferences and are being implemented.

Justice Saman remarked that the court had dismissed the request earlier due to the failure to seek permission from the Superintendent of Adiala Jail and the non-compliance with the SOPs.

She highlighted that security checks, despite being challenging in banks, are carried out efficiently.

When the court inquired about the meeting arrangements, the Additional Advocate General explained that a glass wall in the meeting room is intended to prevent the smuggling of drugs or other suspicious items into the jail.

The government lawyer mentioned that other prisoners are not allowed to meet their lawyers.

Justice Imtiaz remarked that it is unacceptable that the court cannot facilitate meetings between lawyers and their clients in jail.

The court then requested photos of the designated meeting room in the jail and a report, along with arguments regarding the police's jurisdiction.

The next hearing was adjourned until next week.