The IHC has directed that Imran Khan be presented in court via video link today.

Report: Islamabad High Court Directs Authorities to Present or via Video Link or In Person

Key Points:

1. Court Directives:
   • The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered authorities to present former Prime Minister Imran Khan via video link by 2 PM today. If the video link is not arranged, Khan must be presented in person by 3 PM.
   • Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan issued instructions to the Superintendent of Adiala Jail to ensure Imran Khan’s presence in court, either virtually or physically.
2. Background of the Case:
   • The court had earlier summoned the Superintendent of Adiala Jail at 12 PM regarding a case involving PTI leader Mashal Yousafzai, who was denied a meeting with Imran Khan.
   • The court sought clarification from jail authorities on whether Yousafzai was acting as Imran Khan’s lawyer.
3. Contempt of Court Concerns:
   • The court expressed dissatisfaction with the jail authorities’ compliance with previous orders, warning that failure to adhere to directives would result in strict action.
   • Justice Khan remarked that the jail authorities appeared to be in contempt of court for not following earlier instructions.
4. List Presented to the Court:
   • A list allegedly from Imran Khan was presented, but the court found it unsatisfactory and indicated it might directly question the PTI founder.
5. Hearing Proceedings:
   • The hearing was adjourned until 12 PM and later resumed, with the court issuing a final order for Imran Khan’s presentation.
   • The Inspector General of Islamabad was instructed to ensure proper arrangements for Khan’s appearance.
6. Advocate’s Submission:
   • Advocate Shoaib Shaheen informed the court that political leaders had been unable to meet Imran Khan for the past five months.
7. Jail Superintendent’s Explanation:
   • Jail Superintendent Abdul Ghafur Anjum stated that he had been out of town, which caused delays in arranging the meeting between Yousafzai and Imran Khan.
   • Anjum also claimed that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi had communicated that Yousafzai was not their lawyer or focal person.

The Islamabad High Court has mandated the presentation of Imran Khan either via video link or in person, emphasizing strict compliance with its orders. The court has raised concerns over potential contempt of court by jail authorities and warned of legal consequences for non-compliance. The case highlights ongoing tensions between the judiciary and jail administration regarding access to the PTI founder and adherence to court directives.