Lawyer for Imran Khan files written arguments in solitary confinement case

Founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan’s counsel Barrister Salman Safdar on Thursday submitted written arguments in a case pertaining to his and wife Bushra Bibi’s alleged solitary confinement.

Safdar termed the report presented by superintendent of Adiala Jail as deceptive and against facts. He urged the court to appoint a judicial assistant, local commission or amicus curiae to assess the matter independently.

The lawyer said the commission should interview Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi and then the court should obtain an assessment report. He also asked the court to call both the detainees and record their statements about their purported solitary confinement.

We can also capture their statements using video link, Safdar stated. He requested a board be set up consisting of an expert, a state representative and representatives of the petitioners. He said the board should visit Central Jail Adiala, review pertinent facilities and records and file an independent report about treatment of the prisoners in isolation.

Written submissions also urged provision of video-link contact capabilities for Imran Khan like the facility offered to inmates by the Punjab chief minister. The lawyer also urged the provision of books and television facility to Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi.

Safdar claimed Imran Khan’s legal team was representing him in over 300 cases and demanded that lawyers be allowed to contact him as per jail rules without any impediment.

He also sought the assurance of regular weekly interactions between the detainees and their family members and friends within the applicable jail regulations. The lawyer sought explicit orders to the administrator Adiala Jail to allow such meetings without any unwarranted limitations or hurdles.

The written arguments also ask for Imran Khan’s medical reports and his complete medical record to be released, including the medical record to be provided to the court.

The arguments stated that the Adiala Jail superintendent allegedly defied court directives and put in an incomplete report. Safdar claimed the report, only a page and a half long, failed to deal with the grave concerns and questions raised in the case.

He said that the movement of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi could not be called unrestrained as both convicts were not allowed to go outside their allocated zones.
Safdar’s written submissions run to 19 pages. Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro had ordered to submit written arguments in the case.