IHC combines appeals on prison speech

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has combined intra-court appeals filed by the Punjab government and the Islamabad chief commissioner challenging the single bench verdict that annulled restrictions on political conversations among prisoners.

The court issues notices to all parties, seeking their responses.

The division bench, comprising Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz, heard the appeals challenging Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan's ruling.

Additional Advocate General (AAG) Punjab Sanaullah Zahid appeared in court, requesting a stay on the single bench's decision.

Chief Justice Farooq noted the pending appeal by the Islamabad Chief Commissioner and combined it with the Punjab government's petition.

He stated that both appeals would be heard together, and notices would be issued on the suspension request.

The court also issued notices on the application seeking a suspension of the earlier ruling and adjourned the hearing.

The single bench had earlier invalidated a jail rule banning political conversations among prisoners, prompting the Punjab government and Islamabad administration to file intra-court appeals.