ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court on Tuesday directed authorities to arrange lawyer meetings for Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi at Adiala jail while hearing their appeals against convictions in the £190 million case.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif heard the proceedings. Lawyers sought further consultations with their clients and time to prepare arguments.
Sardar Latif Khosa told the bench that repeated requests had failed to secure him access to the former prime minister. He requested at least an hour for consultation.
Chief Justice Dogar directed the Islamabad advocate general to arrange the meeting. Barrister Salman Safdar secured permission for further access to his clients.
Safdar explained that a recent meeting had provided instructions but insufficient time to discuss the appeals. He had met Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran after seven months and Bushra after 11 months.
However, legal access was only part of the hearing. Safdar raised concerns about both clients’ health and asked the court to appoint a medical board to examine Bushra.
He told the court that Imran’s eyesight had improved, but his blood pressure remained uncontrolled. Regarding Bushra, he described her eye condition as serious and relayed her account of another operation scheduled for Sunday.
Safdar argued that she could not receive adequate treatment in prison. Responding, the Islamabad advocate general maintained that authorities were providing medical care and submitted treatment records.
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Chief Justice Dogar observed that health-related matters were pending before the Federal Constitutional Court. Safdar disputed that position concerning Bushra, maintaining that no matter involving her was pending there.
Turning to preparation, Safdar said the defence had not received the paper books containing the appeal record. Without those documents, he argued, counsel could not properly prepare their submissions.
An Islamabad accountability court had sentenced Imran to 14 years in prison and fined him Rs1 million. It sentenced Bushra to seven years and imposed a Rs500,000 fine.
The case concerns the handling of a settlement involving Britain’s National Crime Agency and funds intended for Pakistan. The National Accountability Bureau filed its reference in December 2023; the couple faced charges on February 27, 2024.
After allowing time to prepare, the High Court adjourned proceedings for 10 days. Chief Justice Dogar urged Khosa to begin arguments at the next hearing.
