ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Tuesday permitted Barrister Salman Safdar, legal counsel for jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, to meet the incarcerated former prime minister at Adiala Jail, declaring him a “friend of the court.” The move came during proceedings related to concerns about the former premier’s detention circumstances and access to legal consultation.
The bench observed that it was necessary to obtain an updated and independent account of the living conditions of the PTI founder. It ordered that Barrister Salman Safdar be given direct access to the barracks where Imran Khan is being held so he could examine the facilities, interact with jail authorities if required, and prepare a comprehensive written report for submission before the court.
The Supreme Court further instructed the lawyer to submit his findings on Imran Khan’s prison conditions by Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accurate information regarding the treatment and facilities available to the former prime minister during incarceration.
During the hearing, the bench pointed out that the earlier report presented before the court, sought under the August 24, 2023 order, had been compiled when the PTI founder was detained in Attock Jail, and therefore might not reflect his present situation in Adiala Jail. The court noted that an updated assessment was necessary to properly evaluate the matter.
After issuing these directions, the court adjourned the hearing until Thursday, when the submitted report will be reviewed, and further proceedings will be conducted based on the findings presented to the bench.
