IHC reserves order on petitions challenging Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi’s alleged solitary confinement.

The Islamabad High Court held a hearing on Thursday about petitions that allege Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were kept in solitary confinement. Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro said the court would issue an order after examining the record. The Advocate General, Naveed Hayat Malik, argued the petitions were not maintainable. He said the pair had not been kept in solitary confinement and that they had received more facilities than B‑class prisoners. He noted security considerations because of Imran’s political profile and that the jail had complied with court directions by providing newspapers, books and other facilities. Superintendent Sajid Baig said Imran had been given more than 500 books and daily newspapers. He explained that Imran was not confined to a single cell; he could move freely during the day within a compound of seven cells. The superintendent also denied that Bushra Bibi was in solitary confinement, saying she had a separate room, courtyard and kitchen and met Imran on Tuesdays. Barrister Salman Safdar, counsel for the petitioners, said his clients were subjected to prolonged isolation that amounted to mental torture. He cited Imran’s complaints of deteriorating eyesight and limited access to lawyers and family members. He noted that a 65‑minute meeting in April was the first meaningful consultation after months of waiting and that Imran had not been allowed regular meetings with his legal team. Other petitioners asked for a panel of lawyers to inspect conditions, weekly phone calls with Imran’s two sons, regular meetings with lawyers and family, and for authorities to let Imran and Bushra spend time together. The PTI responded by strongly rejecting the jail superintendent’s report. The party said Imran has been subjected to strict restrictions, that visits have been obstructed, and that he has not been allowed a personal physician. The PTI demanded full implementation of all court orders and unrestricted meetings with family, lawyers and an immediate medical examination.