Islamabad: Islamabad High Court (IHC) has completed hearing of the allegations on keeping PTI founder and Bushra Bibi in solitary confinement.
Following the completion of arguments of the respondents, Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro said he will soon issue written order on it.
He further remarked if there was issue of meeting then a separate application should have been given in this regard.
He said eye problem of PTI fonder does not relate to this matter. However it was better if the medical board report would have been included therein. Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro took up the case for hearing Thursday. Advocate General Islamabad, Navid Hayat Malik and superintendent Adiala jail appeared in the court.
Barrister Suleman Safdar appeared in the court on behalf of PTI founder and Bushra Bibi. Advocate General (AG) told the court he had earlier raised objection over maintainability of the petition. The court had sought implementation report on June 30 order.
AG while presenting that report said PTI founder and Bushra Bibi had not been kept in solitary confinement. They are being provided better facilities than B class. Express Tribune and Dawn newspapers are being provided. 9 books were also given to him a week earlier.
He said the prisoner is kept in cell for 24 hours in solitary confinement. But it is not as such in this case.
Superintendent Adiala jail told the court PTI founder and Bushara Bibi have been provided facility to move freely in compound comprising 7 cells. A mushaqti remains with PTI founder permanently who is convicted prisoner. He is not allowed to meet other prisoners for security reasons.
AG said these are the steps taken for security. He cannot be kept in solitary confinement.
Justice Soomro inquired what is this matter of safety and security. AG replied Founder is party leader and his security is necessary. Barrister Suleman Safdar told the court Founder had told him some improvement has come following the change of superintendent. But his eye sight is affected.
He said he had gone on February 11 as friend of court and this meeting had taken place after three months. According to him meeting was held in April for 65 minute under the directives of Chief Justice IHC. The PTI founder made mention of mental torture during most of the time.
Barrister Safdar said his meeting with his client is not being arranged since 7 months. Political party and family members too are not allowed to meet him.
Justice Khadim Hussain remarked if there was matter of meeting then separate application should have been given.
He said the eye issue of PTI founder does not relate to this case Had medical report been included then it would have been better.
Superintendent told that executive director PIMS has already made public this report and the problem of treatment of PTI founder has been resolved.
AG took the plea that request has been made in the petition to declare only solitary confinement illegal and now the respondents cannot go outside it.
He said no authority or court had kept PTI founder and Bushra Bibi in solitary confinement.
Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro said on completion of arguments he will issue order on it.
The court said to the respondents if they want to give references of court decisions they should file them in writing.
On the application for adjourning the hearing after vacation, the court said if emergency comes in the matter then we will give date early otherwise we will hear it after vacations.