IHC Seeks Response on Plea for Private Meetings Between Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued notices to relevant parties on a petition seeking private meetings between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi.

Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir heard the petition filed by citizen Shahid Yaqoob. During the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer, Atif Mahmood, argued that under prison rules, inmates are entitled to at least three special meetings per year.

The court questioned the petitioner’s locus standi, asking whether he was a PTI member. The lawyer clarified that Yaqoob was merely a follower of Imran Khan, not an official member of the party.

It was further revealed during proceedings that neither Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, nor PTI are direct parties to the case. PTI itself has distanced from the petition.

According to sources, under jail regulations, imprisoned spouses can directly apply to the jail superintendent for a meeting. This requires the availability of a family room, which is not present in Adiala Jail. If the superintendent denies the request, an application may be submitted to the deputy commissioner, followed by the trial court, and ultimately the high court.

The IHC has sought replies from the parties concerned by next week.