Islamabad, August 9, 2023 – The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has taken up a petition filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan seeking his transfer from Attock jail to Adiala jail. The IHC directed the assistant advocate general to provide information on the process of prisoner jail transfers by August 11, Friday.
Imran Khan’s plea also includes requests for improved facilities, a medical examination by his personal physician, Dr. Faisal Sultan, and the permission to meet his legal team, family, and party members. The IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq raised questions about the process of sending a prisoner to different jails, especially since Islamabad lacks its own jail.
The petition follows Khan’s recent conviction orders issued by Judge Humayun Dilawar. Although the orders indicated Khan was to be sent to Adiala jail in Rawalpindi, he was instead transferred to Attock jail. Khan’s lawyer, Advocate Sher Afzal Marwat, informed the court that the government holds the authority to shift prisoners among Punjab jails.
During the hearing, Justice Farooq cited the transfer of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to Kot Lakhpat jail as an example of such transfers being approved. Marwat highlighted that Khan could qualify for A-Class facilities according to jail rules, but his current confinement in District Jail Attock, particularly in solitary confinement, doesn’t meet those conditions.
Advocate Marwat expressed concerns about Khan’s denied access to his legal counsel, stating that the meeting scheduled for Tuesday was not permitted due to a late order issuance. Additionally, Khan’s lawyer Naeem Haider Panjotha faced extensive questioning by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for around nine hours under the pretext of an investigation.
The IHC chief justice stressed that no individual should face harassment during investigations, reaffirming that prisoners are entitled to their legal rights. He further recommended a systematic approach to meeting appointments with lawyers, urging that the premises should not become overcrowded.
Addressing Khan’s lawyer, Justice Farooq urged the case to not be politicized and advised a streamlined process for legal representation. The hearing of the case has been adjourned until August 11 due to the IHC top judge’s ill health, despite Marwat’s request for an earlier hearing.
The developments surrounding Imran Khan’s plea and the concerns raised regarding prisoner transfers and legal rights are closely watched by various stakeholders in Pakistan’s legal and political landscape.
