The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday sought a written response from Islamabad’s advocate general to a contempt of court petition filed over authorities’ failure to arrange a meeting between PTI founder Imran Khan and his lawyer Salman Akram Raja. The direction was issued while hearing a petition filed by citizen Ghulam Murtaza seeking blocking of Imran Khan’s X (formerly Twitter) account. Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, who heard the case, described the response submitted by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) as unsatisfactory. He observed that responses had been received from prison authorities, the PTA and other respondents, but noted that the PTA’s response did not match the nature of the court petition. Addressing the PTA council, Justice Tahir said the authority should compare its response with the actual relief sought in the petition. During the hearing, Raja informed the court that he had been unable to consult with his client in connection with the case, despite a court order dated November 4 allowing a legal meeting. He said he has not been allowed to meet Imran Khan since the case was filed. The court noted that final arguments in the Account X case would be heard on February 24, subject to the meeting being arranged. She also requested a detailed written response to the contempt motion regarding the failure to comply with the court order. The government lawyer argued that issues related to inmate meetings were within the jurisdiction of a broader court. However, Justice Tahir noted that the case could not proceed unless the petitioner’s lawyer was allowed to meet his client. Directing the government to submit its stand in writing, the judge observed that an appropriate order would be passed. The court adjourned further hearing of the case until February 24. PTI founder Imran Khan has been detained at Adiala Prison in Rawalpindi since September 2023. The former prime minister has not been allowed to meet his lawyers since November 2025.
IHC links X-case to Imran’s lawyers’ access
