ISLAMABAD: On Friday, the superintendent of Adiala Jail sincerely apologized to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) for preventing former prime minister Imran Khan from visiting the prison.
Regarding the superintendent’s disregard for court orders and his inability to arrange the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supremo meetings, the court was considering contempt of court cases.
The court expressed unhappiness with the superintendent’s answer in the written response that was submitted in response to the contempt petitions.
Justice Taman Rifat Imtiaz, the presiding judge, noted that the superintendent’s attempt to defend his acts of disregarding the court order was insufficient.
The superintendent was given an order by the court to “satisfy the court in this regard at the next hearing” and to offer adequate clarification.
After the hearing, the IHC set a meeting date for March 26 for the petitioners, Shehryar Afridi, Firdous Shamim Naqvi, Shandana Gulzar, and Allama Nasir Abbas.
On March 12, the Punjab Home Department banned media coverage and prisoner visits to Adiala Jail, which is home to prominent politicians like Imran. The ban was in place for two weeks.
The PTI voiced concerns over potential threats to the former premier’s life and denounced the two-week prohibition on any visits, meetings, and interviews within the premises of Adiala Jail.
Four PTI attorneys were permitted to see Khan on March 13 by Adiala Jail officials in accordance with the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) directive.
Judge Tahir voiced his dissatisfaction, claiming that the jail administrator had been coming up with fresh justifications at each session. “If you do not follow court orders, why should we not initiate contempt proceedings against you?”
The Punjab administration came under fire from the PTI leaders, who were prevented from meeting with Imran because of the prohibition.
