Salman Safdar Challenges Adiala Jail Report Before Court

RAWALPINDI: (Staff Reporter) – Barrister Salman Safdar, counsel for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, has submitted detailed written arguments in the petition concerning the alleged solitary confinement of Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi.

In his 19-page submissions, Safdar described the report submitted by the Superintendent of Adiala Jail as contradictory, incomplete and misleading. He argued that the report failed to properly address the concerns raised before the court regarding the prisoners’ conditions and access to facilities.

The PTI founder’s lawyer asked the court to consider appointing a judicial assistant, local commission or amicus curiae to independently examine the facts. He proposed that the commission meet Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, inspect the relevant facilities and records at Central Jail Adiala, and submit an independent report to the court.

Safdar also requested that the court summon Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi to record their statements about their alleged confinement. He said their statements could alternatively be recorded through video link.

The lawyer further proposed forming a board comprising experts, state representatives and representatives of the petitioners. The board, he said, should visit Adiala Jail, inspect the facilities and relevant records, and provide its findings to the court.

The written arguments also sought directions for providing Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi with books and television facilities. Safdar asked that arrangements be made for them to communicate through video link as well.

According to the submissions, Imran Khan’s legal team is representing him in more than 300 cases. Safdar maintained that, under jail rules, lawyers should be allowed to meet prisoners without unnecessary restrictions and that regular weekly meetings with family members and friends should be facilitated.

He urged the court to clearly direct the Superintendent of Central Jail Adiala to ensure such meetings take place without avoidable hurdles or restrictions.

Safdar also requested that complete medical reports and records concerning Imran Khan be provided to his legal team and submitted before the court.

The written arguments contain details of the cases involving Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. Safdar argued that the Adiala Jail superintendent’s report was incomplete and did not properly respond to previous court directions.

He further contended that the claim that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi have unrestricted movement cannot be accepted, arguing that both remain confined to designated areas and are not permitted to leave their respective premises.

Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro had earlier directed the parties to submit written arguments in the matter.