ISLAMABAD: The superintendent of Adiala Jail issued an unconditional apology to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday for denying access to incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan. The court was hearing contempt of court petitions regarding the superintendent’s failure to facilitate the meetings of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supremo despite court directives.
The superintendent submitted a written response to the contempt petitions, however, the court expressed dissatisfaction with the submitted explanation.
The presiding judge, Justice Taman Rifat Imtiaz, remarked that the superintendent’s attempt to justify his actions of non-compliance with the court order fell short.
“Satisfy the court in this regard at the next hearing,” the court said and ordered the superintendent to provide satisfactory clarification.
Following the proceedings, the IHC ordered a meeting of the petitioners – Allama Nasir Abbas, Shehryar Afridi, Shandana Gulzar, and Firdous Shamim Naqvi – scheduled for March 26.
The Punjab Home Department on March 12 imposed a two-week ban on prisoner visitations as well as media coverage at Adiala Jail, which houses high-profile political figures including Imran.
The PTI condemned the two-week ban imposed on all visits, meetings, and interviews within the Adiala Jail premises and expressed concerns about threats to the life of the former premier.
Authorities at Adiala Jail on March 13 allowed four PTI lawyers to meet Khan in compliance with the Islamabad High Court (IHC) order.
Justice Tahir, expressing his displeasure, said the jail superintendent had been giving new excuses during every hearing. “If you do not follow court orders, why should we not initiate contempt proceedings against you?”
The PTI leaders, who were denied a meeting with Imran due to the ban, lashed out at the Punjab government. –Agencies
