Imran Khan gets relief from solitary confinement, Pakistan court orders family meetings

The court also ordered authorities to allow Khan's family members to meet him as permitted under jail regulations and make arrangements for telephone conversations between the former prime minister and his sons.

Court orders jail authorities to follow rules

IHC Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro, while pronouncing the verdict, directed the Adiala Jail authorities to ensure that Khan and Bushra Bibi are not subjected to further solitary confinement.

The court further ordered that Khan be provided newspapers and books daily and receive medical treatment and facilities in accordance with jail rules.

The jail superintendent has been directed to ensure compliance with the court's orders and submit a report to the court within 15 days.

Petitions filed by Khan's sister, Bushra's daughter

The ruling came after petitions were filed challenging the alleged solitary confinement of the two prisoners.

Khan's sister, Aleema Khan, had approached the court over the alleged restrictions placed on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder.

Bushra Bibi's daughter, Mubashara Khawar Maneka, separately filed a petition concerning her mother's detention conditions.

The petitions also raised concerns over access to family members and other facilities available to the jailed couple under prison rules.

Imran Khan has been in jail since 2023

The 73-year-old former cricketer-turned-politician has remained behind bars since August 2023 after being convicted in a series of cases. Khan and his PTI party have repeatedly described the cases against him as politically motivated, while the Pakistani government has rejected the allegations.

Bushra Bibi was first jailed on January 31, 2024, following her conviction in a corruption-related case.

She was released on bail on October 24, 2024, after spending nearly nine months in prison.

She was re-arrested on January 17, 2025, after being convicted in another corruption-related case and remains at Adiala Jail.

Fresh controversy over Khan's medical treatment

Khan's detention has also been accompanied by ongoing concerns over his health and access to medical treatment.

Last month, Pakistan's Supreme Court directed the government to shift him to the privately run Shifa International Hospital following concerns raised by his family and supporters, particularly over an eye condition diagnosed earlier this year.

However, on the night of August 20-21, Khan was taken to the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), where he underwent a medical procedure and diagnostic examinations. He was subsequently returned to Adiala Jail.

His family later approached the court, alleging that the decision to move him to PIMS instead of Shifa International Hospital violated the Supreme Court's directions, which they said required him to remain admitted at the Islamabad hospital until the next hearing on September 16.

The government defended the decision, citing security concerns.

Contempt plea to be heard on September 16

The contempt petition has been scheduled for hearing on September 16 before a three-member Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Shahid Waheed, Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Ishtiaq Ibrahim.

The same bench is also due to hear pending matters concerning Khan's health and requests for family meetings.