The Supreme Court’s request to meet with Imran Khan faced a setback on Monday after the court declined to order an immediate meeting with the jailed PTI founder. The bench observed that it could not issue such directions without first serving notice to the government.
PTI senior leader Latif Khosa submitted a request seeking permission to meet the former prime minister, who has been incarcerated since August 2023. The plea came amid continued political pressure over access to the party’s founder.
Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi addressed the petitioner during the hearing. He clearly stated that the court could not issue any order regarding a meeting without hearing the government’s position.
While rejecting the demand for immediate relief, the court issued notice to the government for Tuesday. The notice relates specifically to Khosa’s request to meet the PTI founder.
The chief justice noted that before addressing the substance of the plea, the court must first examine objections concerning the maintainability of the petition. He reminded the petitioner that similar matters are already pending before other courts.
The court also questioned whether the petition had become ineffective. The chief justice observed that the case originated from an order dated August 24, 2023, raising doubts about whether it could still be pursued.
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He added that the court would need to determine whether the matter had become infructuous before moving forward. Until then, no directions regarding a meeting could be issued.
Background of Imran Khan’s incarceration
Imran Khan has been in jail since August 2023 following his removal from office through a no-confidence motion in April 2022. Since then, he has faced multiple cases, including allegations related to corruption and terrorism.
In recent months, the former ruling party has staged several protests. Supporters have repeatedly demanded access to the imprisoned leader, arguing that restrictions have prevented party leaders and parliamentarians from meeting him.
These concerns have been raised before courts and executive authorities on multiple occasions.
Supreme Court engagement with PTI leadership
Last week, the Supreme Court confirmed that a memorandum submitted by PTI leaders on February 6 had again been forwarded to the relevant executive authorities. The memo addressed concerns related to access to Imran Khan and the provision of medical reports.
A public relations officer of the Supreme Court said the concerns were conveyed for consideration under the law. The court reiterated that such matters fall within the domain of executive authorities rather than ongoing judicial proceedings.
The official also disclosed that a group of PTI-affiliated parliamentarians, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, gathered outside the Supreme Court last month. They sought to register their concerns over access to their jailed leader.
According to the statement, the Supreme Court registrar met PTI representatives and assured them that their grievances would be conveyed to Chief Justice Yahya Afridi.
Later that day, PTI counsel Salman Akram Raja was granted an audience with the chief justice. However, since the issue did not directly relate to cases pending before the court, the concerns were referred back to executive authorities.
Following this engagement, the gathering dispersed peacefully. The Supreme Court is expected to hear the matter again after the government submits its response. The court will then decide whether the petition remains maintainable or has become ineffective.
Until that determination is made, no immediate relief regarding meetings with the imprisoned PTI founder is expected.
