IHC hears Imran Khan’s plea for family calls, doctor visits

The Superintendent of Adiala Jail stated that, as per jail rules and policy, international calls are not allowed.

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The Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court, Aamir Farooq, heard the petition regarding the personal doctor of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, his meeting with his wife, and a request to allow phone calls with his children.

After statements from the Superintendent of Adiala Jail, the Islamabad High Court dismissed the petition with directions. Imran Khan’s lawyer, Faisal Chaudhry, and Superintendent of Adiala Jail, Ghafoor Anjum, appeared in court.

The Chief Justice asked the Superintendent of Adiala Jail about the facilities provided to the petitioner, to which the Superintendent replied that all facilities were being provided under Category B, including TV, newspapers, and a personal cook.

The Superintendent of Adiala Jail further stated that weekly visits were allowed, but they had also facilitated three to four visits. Before the sentence, Bushra Bibi (Imran Khan’s wife) was allowed to meet him, and after the sentencing, they continued to facilitate the meetings.

The Chief Justice inquired about the request to allow phone calls with his children, to which the Superintendent of Adiala Jail replied that they could not facilitate international calls because there were 8,000 prisoners.

He explained that other prisoners might challenge it in court if such a privilege was granted. He also mentioned that prisoners from 25 foreign countries were in the jail, and granting such calls could set a precedent.

According to jail rules and government policy, international calls are not allowed. He explained that when prisoners arrive, they are given a code to make phone calls.

The Superintendent also noted that regular meetings were being arranged, but once the trial began, they were postponed. He mentioned that there were many people to meet, and only a limited number of visitors were allowed. The Chief Justice said he did not want to get involved.

Imran Khan’s lawyer, Faisal Chaudhry, argued that private doctors had been allowed to meet with him and that Khan was allowed to read six newspapers, but only two were being provided.

The Superintendent responded that the healthcare facilities in Adiala Jail were among the best in Pakistan, with doctors providing daily check-ups. He also confirmed that Imran Khan could watch 16 TV channels and was provided with two newspapers. The court dismissed the petition for providing jail facilities with directions.

Previously, the IHC directed authorities to allow the PTI founding chairman, Imran Khan, to speak with his sons over the phone.

Chief Justice Aamer Farooq heard the case related to Imran’s requests for various facilities while in prison, including access to a personal physician, meetings with his wife, and phone calls with his children.

During the hearing, the court directed that Khan’s wife and political leaders be allowed to visit him according to jail rules. Furthermore, a phone call with Imran's sons and medical treatment by his doctor were ordered.

Meanwhile, Imran Khan reiterated his call for overseas Pakistanis to boycott sending remittances, escalating political tensions as his party, PTI, faces off with the government.

“Once again, I urge overseas Pakistanis to continue their boycott of foreign currency remittances,” Khan said in a post on X. “Sending money to this government strengthens the very hands that are tightening the noose around your necks.”

The appeal comes as talks between the government and PTI, initiated last month, broke down this week. The deadlock followed the PTI’s refusal to participate without judicial commissions to probe protests on May 9, 2023, and November 26, 2024.

Khan also called for nationwide demonstrations on February 8, marking the contentious 2024 elections as a “Black Day.” PTI alleges election rigging by the caretaker government and the Election Commission of Pakistan. Both entities deny the claims.