On Thursday, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) mandated that former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently in custody, be presented before the court and be allowed to have a virtual meeting with his lawyers. Imran Khan, who is the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, is being held at Adiala Jail after his arrest on August 5 last year in connection with a separate Toshakhana case.
Imran and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were detained on July 13 after their acquittal in the Iddat case on the same day. The following day, while already in custody, Imran was “arrested” in relation to several cases linked to the events of May 9.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has accused the couple of unlawfully keeping a valuable Bvlgari jewelry set, which comprises a necklace, earrings, bracelets, and rings gifted by a foreign leader. This alleged retention is said to have caused a substantial loss to the national treasury.
Recently, the IHC granted bail to Bushra in this case, leading to a special court issuing her release orders. However, she remains in Adiala Jail as of now.
During today’s court proceedings, Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan addressed a contempt petition filed by Advocate Faisal Chaudhry against the Adiala jail authorities for failing to facilitate meetings with Imran, despite earlier court orders. Earlier this month, the Punjab government had imposed a ban on meetings with prisoners at Adiala Jail until October 18, and this ban has since been extended indefinitely due to security concerns.
Superintendent of Adiala Jail Ghafoor Anjum appeared in court today alongside the additional attorney general and state counsel as directed. Justice Khan ordered the jail authorities to ensure that Imran was brought to court by 3 PM and that arrangements were made for him to meet his lawyers via video link.
The judge also summoned the interior ministry’s joint secretary for relevant records and sought assistance from Attorney General of Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan. Justice Khan expressed concern that the court’s orders might not be complied with, asserting that the court would be regarded as “honourable” if Imran was presented.
He emphasized the need for adequate security arrangements to facilitate Imran’s appearance in court. If the jail authorities could not comply, they were instructed to inform the court the next day, providing valid reasons. Justice Khan firmly stated that the court must be satisfied regarding any security threats that could prevent Imran’s presentation.
Case Background: In September, Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand had scheduled the couple’s indictment for October 2, but this was postponed to October 5 at the defense’s request for additional time. The judge had denied their post-arrest bail petitions the day before.
On October 23, the IHC approved Bushra’s bail application. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has accused Imran and Bushra of unlawfully retaining the jewelry set gifted to Bushra by the Saudi royal family during their May 2021 visit to Saudi Arabia. The NAB’s reference alleges that during Imran’s term as prime minister, he and his wife received a total of 108 gifts from various heads of state and foreign dignitaries. Of these gifts, they are accused of retaining 58, which have been valued at over Rs142 million. According to the NAB reference, “Out of these 108 gifts, the accused retained 58 gift boxes/sets for an undervalued amount of Rs142.1 million as assessed by appraisers.”
Following the Supreme Court’s endorsement of amendments to NAB laws in September, the case was transferred from an accountability court to a special court of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
