Islamabad High Court seeks FIA response on acquittal plea in Toshakhana case
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday issued a notice to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) regarding acquittal petitions filed by former prime minister Imran Khan, and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the Toshakhana case. The court sought the FIA’s response and adjourned the hearing to Jan 28.
During the proceedings, the petitioners’ counsel, Barrister Salman Safdar, requested that the case be transferred to another bench. He argued that Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, who had heard related petitions earlier, should preside over this case for consistency.
However, Justice Inaam Amin Minhas dismissed the request, stating that the current petitions were distinct from previous bail hearings and would be addressed on their own merits.
Mr Safdar also called for a stay on trial court proceedings, raising concerns about the applicability of the Toshakhana Policy Office Memorandum as law.
Directs Adiala Jail to clarify Imran’s meeting, medical procedures
Justice Minhas noted that the trial court was actively recording witness testimonies and ruled against interrupting the proceedings at this stage.
However, the court acknowledged the defence’s concerns, issued notices to the opposing parties and rescheduled the next hearing for Jan 28 instead of the initially planned date of Feb 4.
The case comes after a special judge (Central) rejected the acquittal petitions on Nov 14.Jail privileges
Meanwhile, IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq directed Adiala Jail authorities to clarify the procedures for facilitating Imran Khan’s meetings, phone calls and medical treatment.
The court instructed the jail’s assistant superintendent to consult the superintendent and submit a detailed reply by Jan 27.
The case concerns the PTI founder’s petition seeking permission to meet his wife, Bushra Bibi, and political associates, communicate with his sons via WhatsApp, and access treatment from his personal doctor.
Advocate Faisal Chaudhry, representing Mr Khan, informed the court that the petitioner’s privileges were curtailed despite prior court orders.
During the hearing, the jail’s assistant superintendent, Waqiuz Zaman, acknowledged that some facilities, including a television and an additional newspaper, had been reinstated following court intervention.
Meetings are now allowed twice weekly, with family and lawyers permitted on Tuesdays and friends or political leaders on Thursdays.
Chief Justice Farooq inquired about the specific procedures for facilitating meetings with Bushra Bibi, who is now a convict, and for arranging WhatsApp calls and medical consultations.
Mr Zaman stated that meetings are scheduled after consulting Mr Khan’s coordinator. However, Faisal Chaudhry contended that phone calls to the petitioner’s sons had only been allowed twice despite court orders.
The jail authorities explained that previous phone calls were permitted on humanitarian grounds, following requests from trial court judges.
The IHC chief justice directed them to clarify the official process for allowing such communications and consultations.
The court adjourned the hearing until Jan 27, urging jail authorities to address these concerns comprehensively and ensure compliance with relevant rules.
Published in Dawn, January 24th, 2025