IHC fixes hearing on petition seeking jail meeting with PTI founder
The Islamabad High Court has fixed for hearing on November 5 a petition seeking jail visits with the PTI founder. Justice Umar Majeed Malik will hear the plea filed by members of the National Dialogue Committee.
- Islamabad High Court to hear the petition on November 5 before Justice Umar Majeed Malik.
- Petitioners are members of the National Dialogue Committee, including Fawad Chaudhry and Imran Ismail.
- They seek a court order for a meeting with the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi at Adiala Jail.
The Islamabad High Court has fixed for hearing a petition by members of the National Dialogue Committee who are seeking jail visits with the founder of the PTI. According to Express News, Justice Umar Majeed Malik will hear the petition on Thursday, November 5.
The petition was filed through senior lawyer Faisal Fareed Chaudhry. The petitioners include Fawad Chaudhry, Imran Ismail, Mehmood Maulvi and Barrister Saif.
The petition names the Secretary Interior, the Secretary Home Punjab and the Superintendent of Adiala Jail as respondents.
The petitioners say they are seriously concerned about the health and wellbeing of the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi. The petition also raises concerns about alleged improper conduct and mistreatment by jail authorities.
According to the petition, family, friends and close relatives of the PTI founder have not been allowed to meet him for several months. It says the ban on meetings has fuelled rumours and speculation on social media.
The petitioners argue that the ban violates Articles 9 and 14 of the Constitution as well as jail laws. They also argue that denying meetings goes against the United Nations Nelson Mandela Rules.
The petition asks the court to allow a jail meeting and interview under the Pakistan Prison Rules 1978. It also asks the court to direct the Superintendent of Adiala Jail to arrange a meeting between the committee's delegation and the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi.
The allegations in the petition are those of the petitioners. The reports do not include any response from the respondents.
Why it matters
The petition concerns access to a major political leader in custody, which is a national political issue. The court's handling of the plea will be followed by PTI supporters and others in Pakistan.
