Islamabad: Barrister Salman Safdar, counsel for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, on Tuesday submitted 19-page written arguments before the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in the case challenging their alleged solitary confinement.
In his written submissions, the counsel requested the court to appoint a judicial commission, local commission or Friend of the Court to independently assess the circumstances of the two prisoners.
The counsel requested that the commission meet Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi and submit an assessment report to the court. He also prayed the court to summon both prisoners and record their statements regarding the alleged solitary confinement. The statements could also be recorded through video link, the written arguments said.
The counsel further proposed constitution of a board comprising experts, a representative of the state and a representative of the petitioners to visit Central Jail Adiala, inspect the relevant facilities and records, and submit an independent report regarding the treatment and alleged solitary confinement of the prisoners.
He also requested that the facility being provided by the Punjab government to prisoners for communication through video link be extended to Imran Khan.
The written arguments sought directions for provision of books and television facilities to both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi.
Barrister Salman Safdar said the PTI founder’s legal team was representing him in more than 300 cases and requested that his lawyers be allowed to meet him without unnecessary restrictions in accordance with jail rules.
He also sought directions to ensure regular weekly meetings of the prisoners with their family members and friends in accordance with jail rules, and that the Superintendent Adiala Jail be directed to facilitate such meetings without unnecessary restrictions or impediments.
The counsel further requested that complete medical reports and records of Imran Khan be provided to the court.
According to the written arguments, details of all cases against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were also included.
The written submissions further contended that the movement of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi could not be described as unrestricted as both prisoners were not allowed to leave their designated compounds.
It may be mentioned here that Justice Khadim Hussain Somro had directed the parties to submit written arguments in the case challenging the alleged solitary confinement of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi.
