The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has provided major relief to former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, by ordering Adiala Jail officials to refrain from subjecting them to solitary confinement. Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro delivered the verdict while disposing of petitions filed by Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, and Bushra Bibi’s daughter, Mubashara Khawar Maneka.
Restoration of Visitation Rights and Basic Amenities Alongside prohibiting solitary confinement, the court mandated that jail officials strictly enforce regulations governing inmate privileges. The court ordered that
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- Family members must be permitted to meet Imran Khan in accordance with standard prison guidelines. India Today
- Necessary arrangements must be made for scheduled phone calls between Khan and his sons. India Today
- Provision of daily newspapers and books to Khan must be maintained.
- Medical treatment and healthcare facilities must be provided per jail laws. India Today
The superintendent of Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi has been instructed to ensure full implementation of these directives and submit a formal compliance report to the court within 15 days.
Background on Detention and Legal Challenges The 73-year-old former cricketer and political leader has been incarcerated since August 2023 following multiple convictions, which he and his party maintain are politically motivated. Bushra Bibi, initially jailed in January 2024 and granted bail in October of that year, was re-arrested in January 2025 and remains imprisoned at Adiala Jail serving additional sentences.
Khan’s relatives and legal team have repeatedly alleged that prison authorities restricted his access to family and denied him adequate medical attention, claims that government officials deny.
Ongoing Contempt Case Regarding Hospital Transfer The decision comes amid an ongoing dispute over Khan’s medical care. Last month, Pakistan’s Supreme Court ordered the government to transfer Khan to the private Shifa International Hospital to evaluate an eye condition and other health concerns. However, overnight on August 20–21, authorities admitted him to the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for diagnostic tests before transferring him back to jail.
Khan’s family has filed a contempt petition alleging non-compliance with the apex court’s directive. The Supreme Court fixed September 16 for a three-member bench to hear the contempt petition alongside pending matters concerning his medical state and visitation rights.
