SC seeks replies in Imran Khan jail access case, fixes hearing within three weeks

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday directed the superintendent of Adiala Jail, Punjab’s home secretary, and the advocate generals of Punjab and Islamabad to submit their replies within three weeks in a case concerning alleged denial of access to incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan.

A three-member bench comprising Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Musarrat Hilali and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan issued the directives while hearing an appeal filed by PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja against an Islamabad High Court (IHC) order dismissing his contempt petition regarding visitation rights for Imran Khan.

During the proceedings, Justice Mazhar observed that the bench would not be available next week but directed that the appeal be fixed for hearing within three weeks. The court also ordered that the IHC’s October 23, 2025, judgment be placed on record at the next hearing.

In his appeal, Raja argued that the IHC had relied solely on the oral assurances of the Adiala Jail superintendent regarding compliance with court directions without examining the relevant record or verifying implementation of standard operating procedures governing meetings between the former premier and his legal team.

The petition maintained that the high court failed to enforce its March 24, 2025, judgment, which had laid down clear directives regarding visitation rights for Imran Khan’s lawyers and nominated coordinators.

It further argued that access to legal counsel is protected under Articles 4, 9, 10 and 10-A of the Constitution, which guarantee due process, liberty and the right to a fair trial.

The appeal also challenged the application of Rule 265 of the Pakistan Prison Rules, 1978, contending that subordinate legislation could not override constitutional guarantees or judicial orders.

The case was scheduled following an earlier understanding reached between Chief Justice Yahya Afridi and Raja during a meeting held on May 20.

Meanwhile, opposition supporters staged a protest outside the Supreme Court, demanding hearings in cases involving Imran Khan and seeking permission for him to meet family members.

Court seeks power of attorney in Uzma Khan appeal

In a separate but related matter, the same bench heard an appeal filed by Dr Uzma Khan, sister of Imran Khan, and directed her to submit a power of attorney (vakalatnama) along with a fresh application seeking an early hearing.

The court observed that upon receipt of the required documents, the Registrar’s Office would schedule the case.

Representing the petitioner, senior advocate Uzair Karamat Bhandari informed the court that the appeal had remained unnumbered for a month because the power of attorney signed by Imran Khan had not been obtained from prison authorities.

Dr Uzma Khan argued that she had the legal standing to challenge the IHC judgment because it directly affected her brother’s rights and welfare.

The petition expressed concern over Imran Khan’s health and alleged that jail authorities had obstructed efforts to obtain legal authorisation for filing the appeal.

It also requested the suspension of the IHC ruling and sought an independent medical examination of Imran Khan by physicians of his choice, including Dr Khurram Mirza, Dr Asim Yusuf, Dr Faisal Sultan and Dr Samina Niazi.

The petitioner maintained that denial of medical access and legal remedies violated constitutional protections, including the right to security of person under Article 9 of the Constitution.