IHC Restores Imran Khan’s Biweekly Jail Meetings But Imposes Media Gag

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered the restoration of biweekly meetings for former Prime Minister Imran Khan at Adiala Jail while imposing strict restrictions on visitors’ political statements.

In Monday’s ruling, Acting Chief Justice Sarfaraz Dogar approved:

• Family and lawyer meetings on Tuesdays
• Friend visits on Thursdays. All visitors require approval from Khan’s coordinator, lawyer Salman Akram Raja.

The court strongly disapproved of using jail visits for political messaging. Justice Dogar emphasized a “meet and leave” policy, stating that media interactions after visits were unnecessary. All visitors must now sign an undertaking against making public statements.

Jail authorities had reduced meetings to once weekly, citing security threats from frequent visitor turnover. However, the court rejected this justification, noting its previous approval of biweekly meetings.

Imran’s legal team raised concerns about:
➤ Arbitrary denial of approved meetings
➤ A cancelled March 20 meeting despite proper requests
➤ Restrictions on family visits

Justice Dogar directed lawyers to approach the trial court separately regarding permission to visit Khan’s children.

The ruling comes as Khan has remained incarcerated since January following corruption convictions, which changed his status from under-trial to convicted prisoner and reduced his privileges.

Read: US Congressmen Urge Secretary of State to Secure Imran Khan’s Release

While jail officials maintain security concerns justify meeting limits, the court clarified that prison visits shouldn’t facilitate political debates. Khan’s legal team assured full compliance with the new restrictions.

This decision provides limited relief to Khan’s supporters while demonstrating judicial efforts to prevent Adiala Jail from becoming a political platform. Violations of the media gag could trigger legal consequences.