The Supreme Court of Pakistan has taken a significant step regarding the incarceration conditions of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. During a high-profile hearing on Tuesday, a two-member bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan appointed senior lawyer Salman Safdar as ‘Amicus Curiae’ (Friend of the Court). His primary responsibility is to visit Adiala Jail and verify the standard of living and facilities provided to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder. According to details from media outlets, the court expressed its commitment to ensuring that a transparent and updated report is brought to the record.
Historical Context and Previous Reports
The proceedings focused on the transition of Imran Khan’s custody from Attock Jail to Adiala Jail. Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan appeared before the court and clarified that a previous report regarding the former Prime Minister’s condition had been submitted in chambers on August 28, 2023. At that time, Imran Khan was being held at Attock Jail. This older report included medical documentation from early August 2023. However, the Chief Justice noted that there was no subsequent order on record indicating the court’s satisfaction with those findings. Given the change in location and the passage of time, the bench decided that a fresh, independent assessment was necessary to understand the current situation at Adiala Jail.
The Role of Salman Safdar as Amicus Curiae
By appointing Salman Safdar as a Friend of the Court, the Supreme Court signaled its trust in his professional integrity. Chief Justice Yahya Afridi stated clearly that the court holds Safdar in high regard and expects a factual written report. The court’s instructions were explicit: Safdar must be granted full access to the PTI founder to document his living conditions and the specific facilities available to him. To ensure no administrative hurdles, the Chief Justice mentioned that his personal staff officer would be available should any issues arise during the visit. The bench emphasized that the representative should not be made to wait outside the jail premises and should be treated with the respect due to an officer of the court.
Concerns Regarding Health and Medical Care
During the session, Advocate Salman Safdar raised queries about the scope of his inspection. He specifically asked if his report should be limited to the physical living environment or if it could include health concerns. He pointed out that following a recent eye examination, there are lingering worries regarding Imran Khan’s general health. The Chief Justice directed him to submit the report on living conditions to the chambers. This highlights the judiciary’s interest in maintaining oversight of how high-profile detainees are managed within the prison system, ensuring their basic rights are upheld according to law.
Court Denies Request from Latif Khosa
While Salman Safdar was tasked with the official inspection, other members of Imran Khan’s legal team also sought permission for meetings. Senior lawyer Latif Khosa requested the court to allow him a meeting with the PTI founder as well. However, the Supreme Court declined this request, focusing instead on the specific mission assigned to the Amicus Curiae. The court’s priority remained the official report required for the judicial record rather than general legal consultations at this stage. The hearing was subsequently adjourned until the day after tomorrow, with the expectation that Safdar will submit his findings by tomorrow. This judicial intervention comes amidst ongoing political tension in Pakistan, where the treatment of political leaders in custody remains a sensitive issue. The Supreme Court’s insistence on a fresh report suggests a proactive approach to judicial supervision of the executive’s handling of prisoners.