Islamabad High Court orders meeting between Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi and lawyer

Pakistan’s Islamabad High Court on Tuesday ordered prison authorities to arrange a one-hour meeting between jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi and their lawyer.

The order came during a hearing on their appeals against convictions in the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust corruption case, after defense counsel raised health concerns.

Who will meet Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi under the court order?

The bench directed the Islamabad Advocate General to arrange a one-hour meeting for lawyer Sardar Latif Khosa with Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi within two days.

It also ordered that a meeting requested by defense lawyer Barrister Salman Safdar be facilitated. A two-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar issued the directions.

What health concerns did the defense raise?

Safdar told the court that both prisoners had health problems, particularly Bushra Bibi’s deteriorating eyesight. He said Imran Khan’s blood pressure had reportedly reached 192, raising fears of a possible brain hemorrhage.

Safdar said Bushra Bibi had received six eye injections and needed another. He added that she had been informed of a further eye operation scheduled for November 15.

He argued that her condition required urgent attention and said he could not continue presenting arguments in the appeals while concerns over her eyesight remained unresolved. He asked the court to consider temporary bail for medical treatment, suggesting a period of four to six weeks or up to six months.

Safdar also sought the formation of a medical board and the production of complete medical records from Adiala Jail, arguing that the prison lacked adequate facilities. He questioned the decision to return Bushra Bibi to her cell on the same day after surgery and called for longer meetings between the prisoners and their legal representatives.

What did the Islamabad Advocate General tell the court?

The Advocate General said access to medical treatment was a fundamental right and that the government was fulfilling its responsibilities. He maintained that Bushra Bibi was receiving regular medical attention and submitted records of the treatment provided to her.

He told the bench that a medical board had examined her on November 8. He also referred to an August 18 Supreme Court order concerning the matter.

When is the next hearing in the Al-Qadir Trust appeals?

Chief Justice Dogar asked the defense to focus on arguments in the appeals, noting that issues relating to medical treatment and prison meetings were also pending before other courts. The court adjourned further proceedings for 10 days.

The bench said the defense should begin its arguments on the appeals at the next hearing.