The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday directed authorities to arrange meetings between former prime minister Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and their legal counsel within seven days to facilitate the preparation and filing of appeals against their convictions in the £190 million corruption case. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif was hearing appeals filed against the convictions handed down in the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) reference.
Access Denied to Legal Counsel
During the proceedings, counsel for the appellants, Barrister Salman Safdar, informed the court that despite repeated requests, he had been unable to meet Imran Khan at Adiala Jail to obtain instructions and secure a signed vakalatnama necessary for pursuing the appeals. The lawyer argued that prison authorities had repeatedly denied access to his client, hindering the legal process. He further told the court that his last meeting with Bushra Bibi took place in December and that subsequent requests for access had also been rejected.
Supreme Court Precedent Cited
Safdar maintained that without direct instructions from the petitioners, the appeals could not proceed effectively. He also cited a recent Supreme Court ruling in which similar relief had been granted under comparable circumstances. Expressing concern over the matter, Chief Justice Dogar observed that restricting access to legal counsel could impede the administration of justice. He questioned the absence of the advocate general during the hearing and remarked that ensuring access between lawyers and their clients was the government's responsibility.
Court's Intervention
The court also recalled its previous intervention in facilitating meetings between the PTI founder and his legal team. The bench subsequently directed the advocate general Islamabad to ensure that meetings are arranged within seven days so that legal formalities, including the signing of the vakalatnama and obtaining instructions, can be completed. The hearing was adjourned until the completion of the meetings and the submission of the required documentation.
