Islamabad, 10 February (H.S.): On Tuesday, Pakistan's Supreme Court designated senior advocate Salman Safdar as amicus curiae to independently evaluate the living conditions, facilities, and medical care afforded to PTI founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, incarcerated in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail.

Chief Justice Afridi Mandates Unfettered Jail Access

Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, heading a bench with Justice Shahid Bilal Hasan, instructed jail authorities to extend full cooperation to Safdar, emphasizing respectful treatment and immediate access without delay; should impediments arise, the CJ's personal staff stands ready to assist.

The bench directed Safdar to inspect Khan's barrack and submit a written report by Wednesday, deferring further proceedings.

Health Concerns Emerge Amid Prior Compliance Disputes

During hearings, Safdar sought clarification on his remit, flagging health apprehensions post-Khan's preliminary eye examination. CJ Afridi ordered chamber submission of related records.

Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan cited a prior August 24, 2023, compliance report covering Khan's Attock Jail stint (August 5-18, 2023), but Afridi noted absent subsequent satisfaction orders, necessitating fresh scrutiny post-Adiala transfer.

Precedent Rejections and Broader PTI Legal Battles

The court rebuffed senior counsel Latif Khosa's bid to address the bench or secure client meetings. Monday saw dismissal of PTI's urgent access plea alongside parceling multiple appeals—including Punjab's challenges to Khan and wife Bushra Bibi's bails—across benches, with notices issued sans interim relief pending objections.

Additionally, the apex court mandated a three-judge bench for appeals against Khan and PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi's acquittal in the Cipher case.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar