• Sisters and KP CM were not allowed to meet ex-PM in jail
• PTI condemns ban on Gilgit-Baltistan Democratic Party

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday sought detailed arguments on a petition seeking meetings of former first lady Bushra Bibi with her family members and personal doctor, as well as provision of essential supplies in Adiala Jail, while a report submitted by the jail superintendent stated that political discussions were held outside the jail after prison meetings.

Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, while hearing the petition filed by Bushra Bibi’s daughter Mubashara Maneka, observed that the court would hear the matter in detail and decide it on merit after examining the jail procedures and rules.

During the hearing, petitioner’s counsel Salman Akram Raja, Advocate General Islamabad Naveed Hayat Malik, and Superintendent of Adiala Jail Sajid Baig appeared before the court.

The Advocate General informed the court that the jail superintendent had heard and decided Mubashara Maneka’s representation in his personal capacity and rejected the request for meetings with family members and a personal doctor.

A report submitted by the jail superintendent stated that political discussions were held outside the jail after prison meetings. It also referred to tweets allegedly posted by Bushra Bibi’s sister, Maryam Riaz Wattoo, following meetings with the former first lady.

However, Mr Raja argued that Maryam Riaz Wattoo had never visited Adiala jail and resides abroad. “How can a daughter be prevented from meeting her mother on the basis of tweets by a third person?” the counsel contended.

Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir directed the Advocate General to obtain an affidavit from the concerned individual if necessary.

The superintendent informed the court that around 7,200 prisoners are currently lodged in Adiala jail, and meetings are held six days a week in accordance with jail rules.

Meanwhile, Imran Khan’s sisters and PTI leaders, including KP CM Sohail Afridi were not allowed to meet the former PM at Adiala jail on Tuesday. They reached Adiala jail but were not allowed to meet the incarcerated former premier.

Ms Aleema Khan said that it amounted to contempt of court, as there were clear IHC orders allowing family meetings every Tuesday.

Separately, PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram strongly criticised the ban on the Gilgit-Baltistan Democratic Party.

Published in Dawn, May 13th, 2026