The Islamabad High Court (IHC) granted permission on Friday for PTI leaders and lawyers to visit Imran Khan in Adiala Jail and conduct election meetings in preparation for the February 8 polls. The court order, issued by Justice Miangul Hasan Aurangzeb, followed a petition by Imran Khan seeking approval for meetings with party members to strategize before the elections.
The plea also requested the court to instruct the Adiala Jail superintendent to ensure privacy for Imran during consultations with his legal team. With the election schedule released, political parties have initiated election-related activities.
PTI Chairman Gohar Khan emphasized that Imran would make decisions on ticket allocations. Attorney-General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan, PTI lawyers, and the Adiala Jail superintendent appeared in the IHC.
Justice Aurangzeb expressed displeasure at arguments from the AGP, stating, “Is the additional note from the Supreme Court insufficient for you? Do you want me to write a note against you as well?” He emphasized that the caretaker government should be impartial.
The court allowed PTI lawyers to hold consultations with Imran in jail and ordered a meeting between Gohar and Imran supervised by the jail superintendent.
Justice Aurangzeb stressed the caretaker government’s neutrality during elections, noting that opposition to PTI meetings raises questions about impartiality. The judge disposed of the petition.
PTI lawyer Shaheen criticized the caretaker government, stating they are “chair takers” and questioned their credibility. He highlighted public support for Imran Khan and criticized police mistreatment of PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi outside Adiala Jail.
