IHC orders online meeting of lawyers with PTI founder

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) released its written judgment on Thursday regarding a petition requesting meetings between PTI founder Imran Khan and his legal team.

In its ruling, the court instructed the superintendent of Adiala Jail to organize online meetings between the former prime minister and his lawyers until security concerns are resolved.

Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan of the IHC issued the judgment, requesting a report from the Adiala jail superintendent by tomorrow (Friday) regarding the implementation of the court’s directives.

The court noted in its judgment that the lawyer for the PTI founder had mentioned being hindered from meeting their client due to security reasons.

The IHC directed the jail authorities to make necessary arrangements for facilitating online meetings between Imran Khan and his legal team, ensuring adequate internet speed for smooth communication with the former prime minister.

Addressing the contention from the Adiala jail superintendent regarding the absence of provisions for online meetings in jail rules drafted in 1978, the court stated that such facilities were not available at that time.

On March 12, the Punjab home department imposed a ban on meetings with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder in Adiala Jail, citing security threats.

According to sources within the Punjab home department, the ban was imposed for a two-week period, and media coverage was also prohibited near Adiala Jail’s gate no-5.

The security officer clarified that media coverage is prohibited and instructed media teams to stay at least 2km away from Adiala Jail.