ISLAMABAD: The National Dialogue Committee (NDC) has filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC), seeking directives for jail authorities to facilitate a meeting with incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, arguing that the denial of visitation rights violates fundamental constitutional guarantees and prison regulations.

The petition, filed under Article 199 of the Constitution, read with Section 561 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Pakistan Prison Rules, 1978, was submitted by NDC Chairman Mahmood Baqi Molvi along with fellow committee members Imran Ismail, Barrister Muhammad Ali Khan Saif and Fawad Ahmed.

The petitioners contend that the jail administration has imposed an illegal and arbitrary ban on meetings with the imprisoned couple since August 5, 2023.

The petition says the respondent authorities, including the Federation of Pakistan through the Ministry of Interior, the Punjab Home Department, and the superintendent of Central Jail Adiala, have “viciously compromised” the fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 9 (right to life and liberty) and Article 14 (inviolability of dignity) of the Constitution.

According to the petition, meetings with Imran Khan have been banned for almost one year, with authorities imposing restrictions that violate both national laws and international covenants, including the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.

The petitioners specifically noted that “the family has not been granted access to their imprisoned brother and his wife, hence it is but natural to become extremely worried about his health and security during custody”.

This comes amid reports that the Adiala jail administration has previously cited security concerns and allegations of political discussions following prison meetings as grounds for restricting access.

Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2026