ISLAMABAD:
The director of Adiala Prison has opposed a request to secure meetings between former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, and her family members, as well as access to a personal doctor, arguing that such interactions were being used for political purposes outside the prison.
In a written report submitted to the Islamabad High Court (IHC), the prison superintendent said family gatherings were followed by public political statements and social media activities, which the administration said affected discipline and security at the prison.
The case came before Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir during the hearing of a petition filed by Bushra Bibi’s daughter Mubashra Maneka. The petition asked for regular family meetings to be allowed, access to a private doctor and the provision of essential items.
Islamabad Advocate General Naveed Malik and Adiala Jail Superintendent Sajid Baig appeared before the court during the proceedings.
The report submitted by prison authorities specifically referred to social media posts attributed to Bushra Bibi’s sister Maryam Riaz Wattoo, claiming that tweets were shared after family gatherings with the former first lady.
The administration argued that such conduct raised concerns about prison management and security arrangements.
Advocate General Malik informed the court that the commissioner had already decided on the representation regarding the prison meetings and had refused to allow immediate access. However, he clarified that the restriction was not permanent and could be reviewed at a later date.
The petitioner’s lawyer, Salman Akram Raja, disputed the reasons given by the prison authorities and argued that the refusal was based on alleged political discussions that took place outside the prison.
He claimed that Maryam Riaz Wattoo had never visited Adiala Prison and was currently residing abroad, questioning how her social media activity could be used as justification to prevent a girl from meeting her mother.
At this point, Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir ordered the attorney general to obtain an affidavit from the person concerned regarding the case.
The Advocate General reaffirmed that the prison administration had not imposed a general ban and that it was acting in accordance with the requirements of prison management.
During the hearing, Superintendent Sajid Baig informed the court that Adiala Prison currently houses around 7,200 inmates and the meeting times are arranged separately depending on the nature of offenses committed by the prisoners.
He said the meetings were held six days a week, Monday to Saturday, under the Prison Manual and Prison Management Information System.
Justice Tahir observed that the system appeared organized and said the court wanted to understand the procedure thoroughly before passing an order.
He stressed that the prison administration must strictly follow the prison manual and ensure fairness for all parties.
The court said it would hear the case in detail before making a final decision and ordered authorities to facilitate a meeting between Bushra Bibi and her daughter wherever possible in the meantime.
The hearing was adjourned until May 14, with all parties instructed to present detailed arguments in light of the applicable prison rules.
