Supreme Court rejects PTI's request for immediate meeting with Imran Khan

The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday rejected a request seeking an immediate meeting with the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), while ordering the formation of a three-member bench to hear appeals challenging his acquittal in the cypher case.

According to a report aired by 24NewsHD TV channel, the apex court dismissed the plea for an urgent meeting with the PTI founder. However, on a separate application filed by his counsel, Latif Khosa, seeking permission to meet his client Imran Khan in Adiala Jail, the court issued a notice to the government for Tuesday.

Chief Justice Yahya Afridi observed that no such order could be passed without issuing notice to the other party, adding that it was mandatory to hear the respondents before issuing any directive regarding a meeting.

During the hearing, the chief justice told Latif Khosa that the court would first have to overcome objections related to the maintainability of the petition. He further remarked that it should also be kept in mind that related matters were pending before other courts.

The chief justice also noted that, in the court’s view, the case appeared to have become ineffective, as it stemmed from an order dated August 24, 2023. The court clarified that it would have to determine whether the case had indeed become infructuous or could still proceed.

During the proceedings, Latif Khosa reiterated his request for permission to meet Imran Khan. In response, the chief justice said that a decision regarding the meeting would be taken on Tuesday, but stressed again that no order could be issued without notifying the other party. The Supreme Court subsequently adjourned the hearing until Tuesday.

Cypher case to be heard by a three-member bench

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court directed that a three-member bench be constituted to hear appeals filed against the acquittal of the PTI founder in the cypher case.

Separately, an anti-terrorism court in Islamabad adjourned proceedings in a case related to protests at Faizabad following the disqualification of the PTI founder, citing the unavailability of prosecution witnesses.

The case was heard on Monday by Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Tahir Abbas Supra, who directed that witnesses be presented at the next hearing.

During the hearing, Amir Mahmood Kiyani appeared before the court, while Wasiq Qayyum and Rashid Hafeez filed applications seeking exemption from appearance.

The case, registered at the I-9 police station under anti-terrorism charges against PTI leaders, has been adjourned until February 16.

AGP asked to submit details of Imran Khan's detention conditions

Separately, the Supreme Court has issued a written order regarding the hearing held earlier today on criminal petitions filed by the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

The court has directed the Attorney General of Pakistan to submit a report on the current physical condition and living arrangements of the PTI founder in jail.

The criminal petitions were heard by a two-member bench of the Supreme Court comprising Chief Justice Yahya Afridi and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan. Notices were issued to all parties as well as to the Attorney General for Pakistan.

According to the written order, the court initially observed that the cases appeared to have become ineffective. However, counsel for the PTI founder argued that the petitions involved maintainable legal questions.

The petitioner’s counsel, Latif Khosa, referred to a court order dated August 24, 2023, to support his arguments.

The written order further stated that while a report regarding the PTI founder’s current condition in jail had been sought, a report specifically addressing his residential and living conditions in detention had not yet been submitted.

The Supreme Court subsequently adjourned the hearing of the case until tomorrow.

Reporters: Hashar Warraich, Amanat Gishkori and Irshad Qureshi