The Supreme Court allows Imran Khan to meet after permitting Barrister Salman Safdar, counsel for the jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder, to visit him at Adiala jail. The court designated Safdar as a “friend of the court” and directed him to assess the former prime minister’s living conditions.
During the hearing on Tuesday, the court said it was appropriate to seek a fresh report on Imran Khan’s conditions in custody. Judges instructed Safdar to access the barracks where the PTI founder is held and submit a written report by Wednesday.
The bench noted that the last report submitted to the court was pursuant to an order issued on August 24, 2023. At that time, Imran Khan was incarcerated in Attock Jail, not Adiala Jail.
Supreme Court Allows Imran Khan Meeting
The court’s decision marks a significant development in a long-running dispute over access to the former prime minister. By allowing direct access to Safdar, the court aims to obtain an independent assessment of Imran Khan’s living conditions.
After issuing the directions, the court adjourned the hearing until Thursday. Judges said the new report would help them determine whether concerns raised by the PTI require further judicial intervention.
Imran Khan has been behind bars for more than two years. His detention has remained a flashpoint between the government and his party, with repeated protests demanding meetings and improved access.
میری عمران خان سے آج دو بجے ملاقات طے پا گئی ہے، سپریم کورٹ نے مجھ پر اعتماد کر کے بھاری ذمہ داری دی ہے، عمران خان کی جیل میں حالت دیکھ کر رپورٹ پیش کروں گا، بیرسٹر سلمان صفدر pic.twitter.com/vobzNckI01
— Shakeel Anwar (@Shakeel_2211) February 10, 2026Over recent months, PTI supporters and leaders have staged protests over restrictions on meetings with the incarcerated party founder. These demonstrations have at times led to scuffles with police and jail staff.
The government had prohibited meetings with Imran Khan until February 8, a deadline that has now passed. Despite this, PTI leaders say access has remained inconsistent and unclear.
Last week, the Supreme Court said a memorandum submitted by the PTI, seeking access to Imran Khan, had been forwarded to relevant executive authorities for consideration under the law.
Read: Visa Issue of Imran Khan’s Sons Rekindles Political Debate
Concerns over Imran Khan’s health have added urgency to the issue of jail access. It recently emerged that he underwent a medical procedure at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences.
Doctors diagnosed him with central retinal vein occlusion, a serious eye condition. The disorder commonly affects older adults and is linked to cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease.
PTI leaders argue that the medical diagnosis underscores the need for transparency about his treatment and living conditions in custody.
Khan’s Family Raises Alarm over Adiala Jail Conditions
Imran Khan’s sons, Kasim Khan and Sulaiman Khan, have also spoken publicly about their father’s situation. They described the conditions at Adiala jail as “awful” and “substandard.”
Their remarks added to pressure on authorities and fueled calls for judicial oversight. PTI officials say the family’s concerns reflect broader issues related to the treatment of high-profile detainees.
The Supreme Court’s decision to seek a fresh report appears aimed at addressing these claims with verifiable findings.
A day earlier, the Supreme Court had rejected a request for an immediate meeting with the PTI founder. Judges observed that no such order could be issued without first giving notice to the government.
This cautious approach reflects the court’s effort to balance due process with humanitarian considerations. By appointing a “friend of the court,” the bench created a procedural pathway to gather facts without bypassing legal requirements. Legal observers say the move signals judicial concern while avoiding direct confrontation with the executive.
