Copyright brecorder
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) directed jail authorities to arrange a meeting between PTI founder Imran Khan and senior lawyer Salman Akram Raja. A single bench of Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir on Tuesday issued the directions while hearing a petition seeking to block Imran Khan’s X (formerly Twitter) account. The judge issued the directive after Salman informed the court that he had been unable to meet his client despite earlier verbal orders by the IHC’s full bench. “I can only respond after discussing the matter with him,” Salman told the court. During the hearing, the Deputy Attorney General sought time to file report/ para-wise comments on behalf of Respondent No.1-NCCIA. Similarly, the counsel for respondent No.2 (PTA) also submitted that the report/ para-wise comments are ready and will be filed in the office before the next date of hearing. Whereas, report/ para-wise comments on behalf of respondent No.3, the Superintendent, Central Prison, Rawalpindi, were also filed and copies are directed to be provided to the counsel for the petitioner. Salman submitted that he intended to meet Imran Khan to obtain his instructions in the instant matter and then assist this Court. However, the prison authorities did not facilitate such a meeting even though his name was included in the list duly approved by the prison authorities. Justice Arbab noted in his written order that a Full Bench of this Court, vide order dated 24.03.2025, passed in Criminal Original No.09 of 2025, had approved the mechanism/ schedule of meetings/ interviews already settled in ICA No.336/2023 and ICAs No.79, 80, and 81 of 2024. He added, “As per the counsel, Tuesday is the scheduled day of a meeting with Imran Khan, and the Deputy Attorney General shall convey to the prison authorities to ensure the meeting of Salman with PTI founder for the purposes of obtaining instructions in the instant case.” During the proceedings, jail authorities submitted a report. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency sought more time to file its response. Justice Arbab directed the Deputy Attorney General and the state counsel to immediately notify jail officials by phone to ensure the meeting takes place today (Tuesday). Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
