IHC orders Adiala jail authorities to present Imran Khan in Court by 3 pm today

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) issued a directive on Thursday, ordering Adiala jail authorities to produce former Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan by 3 pm.

This development stems from a contempt of court case regarding the denial of a meeting between Khan and his lawyers. Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq, presiding over the hearing, expressed skepticism about the authorities’ willingness to comply with the court’s orders.

During the proceedings, Justice Ejaz Ishaq instructed the jail authorities to ensure proper security arrangements and produce Khan in court.

In addition, he emphasized that failure to do so would require a satisfactory explanation, stating, “If you are unable to present him, you will explain to the court tomorrow why it was not possible.” The Superintendent of Jail has been tasked with justifying if security concerns hinder Khan’s appearance.

Imran Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023, facing numerous cases after his removal as Prime Minister in 2022.

Following his ouster, Khan launched a protest movement against the coalition government led by current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

In a significant intervention, 62 US Congressmen wrote to President Joe Biden, urging him to advocate for Khan’s release and that of other political prisoners.

The letter, signed by notable Muslim members Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, pressed the Biden administration to secure assurances from Pakistani authorities regarding Khan’s safety.

This international appeal adds weight to Khan’s ongoing legal battles and highlights concerns about his detention and the broader implications for Pakistan’s political landscape.