IHC seeks reply in contempt plea over denial of Salman Akram’s meeting with Imran Khan
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Secretary-General Salman Akram Raja speaks to journalists outside Adiala jail in Rawalpindi on February 25, 2025. SCREENGRAB
The Islamabad High Court on Wednesday sought a written response from the Advocate General Islamabad in a contempt of court petition filed over the failure to facilitate a meeting between PTI Secretary-General Salman Akram Raja and the party founder and former prime minister Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, as the court questioned how proceedings could move forward without legal consultation.
Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir was hearing a petition filed by citizen Ghulam Murtaza challenging the blocking of the PTI founder’s X account, along with a related contempt plea over the non-implementation of a court order allowing meetings with counsel.
During the hearing, the court declared the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) reply in the X account case “unsatisfactory,” observing a clear disconnect between the relief sought in the writ petition and the response submitted by the regulator.
“You should look at what the writ petition is and then look at your reply,” Justice Tahir remarked while addressing the PTA’s counsel.
Read: IHC to take up X ban plea in February
The court noted that replies had already been submitted by jail authorities, the PTA and other respondents, but questioned how final arguments could be heard when the petitioner’s counsel had not been allowed to meet his client.
Salman Akram Raja informed the court that he had been unable to consult Imran Khan on the matter. In response, Justice Tahir observed that once the meeting takes place, the case could proceed to final arguments on February 24.
The government lawyer argued that cases related to jail meetings were being heard by a larger bench. Justice Tahir rejected the delay, remarking that without allowing the meeting, “how will this case move forward?”
Raja pointed out that the court’s order dated November 4, directing jail authorities to allow the meeting, had not been implemented for over two months.
“The order for my meeting is dated November 4, and it has still not been complied with,” Raja said, adding that he had not met the PTI founder even once since filing the case. “I have filed the case, but I am not being allowed to meet my client.”
When Raja asked whether he should go to the jail that day to seek a meeting, Justice Tahir said the court would issue an appropriate order. “If the meeting is allowed, this case will move forward,” the judge observed.
The court directed the government counsel to submit a written reply and adjourned further hearing until February 24.
Raja addresses media
Speaking to reporters outside the Islamabad High Court, Salman Akram Raja linked the court proceedings to what he described as broader democratic concerns following the February 8 general elections.
بیرسٹر سلمان اکرم راجہ کی اسلام آباد ہائی کورٹ کے باہر میڈیا سے گفتگو ۔ انہوں نے عمران خان سے فیملی اور وکلاء کی ملاقاتوں کے حوالے سے زکر کیا کہ یہ کیسے ممکن ہے کہ آپ کسی پر مقدمہ بنائیں اور پھر اس کو جواب دینے کا موقعہ نہ دیں۔ وکلاء سے ملے بغیر کوئی اپنے اوپر مقدمات کا کیسے… pic.twitter.com/5RT4hcqbCJ
February 8 marks the date of Pakistan’s 2024 general elections, which were held after Imran Khan was removed from office. The day has since gained political significance, with opposition parties alleging that the polls were marred by irregularities and did not reflect the public mandate.
“Answers will have to be given to the millions of people who cast their votes on February 8,” Raja said. “We will not allow the mandate to be stolen.”
Read More: By the numbers: Complete results of Feb 8 elections
Raja criticised proposals related to voting-age restrictions, calling them an attempt to marginalise young voters. “Reducing the voting age bracket to 18–25 years is a conspiracy against youth,” he said, adding that first-time voters could not be held responsible for past governance failures.
“Pakistan has not progressed in 78 years. Now lies and the status quo must end,” he said, asserting that efforts to silence politically aware youth would fail.
Referring back to the court proceedings, Raja said the contempt petition stemmed from the continued denial of meetings with the PTI founder. “The November 4 court order has still not been implemented. Meetings with lawyers and family members have been suspended for months,” he said.
“Without consulting lawyers, Imran Khan cannot respond to the cases filed against him,” Raja added. “PTI is a peaceful and constitutional party. Our struggle will remain within the framework of the Constitution.”