Adiala Jail superintendent, not IHC judge, will decide if Bushra Bibi should be allowed to meet family and doctors or not

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday issued a detailed written judgement on a petition seeking permission for the family and doctors to meet the former first lady Bushra Bibi.

In a 14-page judgement announced by Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, the court rejected the request for a direct order allowing such meetings and remanded the matter back to the Superintendent of Adiala Jail for reconsideration.

The court directed that the Superintendent of Adiala Jail should once again review the request for family meetings and decide the matter in accordance with jail rules and regulations.

According to the verdict, if the jail superintendent rejects the request, the petitioner may approach the Inspector General of Prisons as an available forum for further remedy.

The court noted that, as per the jail administration, daily necessities are being provided to Bushra Bibi, while her medical treatment is also continuing inside the prison facility. It was further stated that, when required, she has been shifted to a hospital outside the jail for medical care.

The written decision emphasized that matters relating to the medical condition and treatment of prisoners fall under the jurisdiction of the executive authorities, and any objections can be raised through the relevant legal forums provided under jail rules.

The court also ordered that copies of the judgement be sent to the Chief Commissioner Islamabad and the Superintendent of Adiala Jail for necessary action.