The Islamabad High Court on Thursday heard appeals and sentence suspension pleas in the £190 million case involving Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, with the defence raising serious concerns over solitary confinement and health conditions.
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A bench comprising Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif took up the matter. Barrister Salman Safdar represented the PTI founder, while prosecutors Javed Ashraf and Rafi Maqsood appeared for the National Accountability Bureau.
During proceedings, the defence informed the court that despite prior orders, access to Bushra Bibi had not been granted since December 2025. The counsel also highlighted health concerns, stating that Imran Khan’s eyesight had significantly deteriorated, with claims of up to 85 percent vision loss.
The lawyer further told the court that Imran Khan was being held in solitary confinement for up to 22 hours daily, while Bushra Bibi remained confined for 24 hours. He argued that such measures were neither part of the sentence nor in line with human rights standards, citing the United Nations’ Nelson Mandela Rules, which classify prolonged solitary confinement as a form of torture.
The defence requested the court to summon prison authorities and medical officials to explain the conditions and address concerns regarding inmates’ health at Adiala Jail.
Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar questioned the delay in arguments on the main appeals and indicated the court’s readiness to conduct daily hearings for a swift resolution. The defence responded that it intended to first argue the suspension pleas before proceeding with detailed submissions on the appeals.
The court adjourned the hearing, directing all parties to be prepared for the next proceedings, while signalling the possibility of an expedited hearing schedule.
