Islamabad, Pakistan — The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday directed authorities to arrange meetings between former prime minister Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and their legal counsel within seven days, clearing the way for appeals against their convictions in the £190 million corruption case, according to The Nation.
The order came during a hearing before a division bench comprising Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif. The court was considering appeals filed against convictions handed down in a reference by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
Representing the appellants, Barrister Salman Safdar told the court that repeated requests to meet Khan at Adiala Jail had been denied, preventing him from obtaining instructions and a signed vakalatnama required to pursue the appeals. He further informed the bench that he had not been able to meet Bushra Bibi since December, despite several requests submitted to prison authorities.
Safdar argued that the inability of lawyers to communicate with their clients was obstructing the legal process and undermining the preparation of a proper appeal. He also referred to a recent Supreme Court ruling in which similar relief had been granted under comparable circumstances.
According to the defence counsel, Khan and Bushra Bibi have remained in solitary confinement for nearly seven months and have faced severe restrictions on meetings with lawyers and family members. The defence maintained that these limitations have complicated efforts to prepare legal challenges against their convictions.
Expressing concern, Chief Justice Dogar observed that denying access to legal counsel could hamper the administration of justice. He questioned the absence of the advocate general during the proceedings and stressed that ensuring communication between lawyers and their clients was the responsibility of the government.
The court also recalled its previous interventions to facilitate meetings between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder and his legal team. Following the hearing, the bench directed the Advocate General Islamabad to ensure that meetings take place within seven days so that all legal formalities, including the signing of documents and obtaining instructions, can be completed.
The hearing was adjourned until the meetings are held and the required documentation is submitted before the court.
