ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday ordered authorities to facilitate a meeting between former prime minister Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and their legal counsel within seven days to enable the preparation and filing of appeals in the £190 million corruption reference.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif heard the appeals challenging their conviction in the high-profile National Accountability Bureau (NAB) case.
During the hearing, counsel for Imran Khan, Barrister Salman Safdar, informed the court that he had been unable to meet his client at Adiala Jail despite repeated attempts, preventing him from obtaining instructions and a signed vakalatnama required for legal proceedings.
He argued that prison authorities had consistently denied access, making it difficult to pursue the appeals effectively. The counsel also noted that his last meeting with Bushra Bibi had taken place in December, with all subsequent requests for access refused.
The bench was told that without direct instructions from the petitioners, legal proceedings could not be advanced. The lawyer also referred to a recent Supreme Court judgment, stating that similar relief had been granted in comparable cases.
Chief Justice Dogar expressed concern over the situation, observing that denial of access to legal counsel could hinder the administration of justice. He questioned the absence of the advocate general, stressing that it was the government’s responsibility to ensure lawyers can meet their clients for court matters.
The court recalled its earlier intervention, which had previously facilitated a meeting between the PTI founder and his lawyers.
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.
Further proceedings were adjourned until after the meetings and necessary documentation are completed.
