ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has asked federal and Punjab authorities to respond to a petition seeking permission for jailed former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to meet privately inside prison.
Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir on Tuesday issued notices to the Islamabad chief commissioner, the Punjab government, the inspector general of prisons, and the Adiala Jail superintendent. The petition, filed by a citizen, Shahid Yaqub, argued that denying the couple conjugal visits violates both Pakistan’s Prison Rules 1978 and international human rights norms.
Yaqub’s lawyer maintained that inmates are entitled to spousal meetings under law. “Family life is supported by the rules. Refusing this right breaches both national and international protections,” the petition read. PTI, however, has distanced itself from the plea, clarifying that neither Khan nor Bushra Bibi are parties to the case.The hearing has been adjourned until September 30.
Conjugal rights and jail rules
Conjugal visits allow married inmates to spend time in privacy with their spouses. Though rare in Pakistan, Sindh permits such meetings once every three months, following a Supreme Court order in 2010. The process requires applying first to the jail superintendent, then to the deputy commissioner, trial court, and ultimately the high court if rejected. Sources confirm that Adiala Jail currently lacks proper facilities for such visits.
Imran and Bushra’s convictions
Imran Khan, ousted in 2022, was arrested in 2023 after being convicted in the Toshakhana case. In January 2024, both he and Bushra were indicted in the £190 million corruption reference, where prosecutors alleged that they benefited from land worth billions. Earlier this year, an accountability court sentenced Imran to 14 years and Bushra to seven years, along with heavy fines.
May 9 riots aftermath
Khan’s arrest had triggered violent protests across the country, with PTI supporters targeting military and civil sites. The army branded it a “Black Day” and pushed for trials in military courts, leading to dozens of convictions, including Khan’s nephew Hassan Niazi.
As the IHC weighs the petition, the case has renewed debate about prisoners’ rights in Pakistan particularly the often-overlooked issue of family life behind bars.
