Barrister Salman Safdar also meets Bushra Bibi after 11 months, says 40-minute session was insufficient to discuss all legal cases

By Khushal Khan 

ISLAMABAD -  Pakistan's jailed former prime minister Imran Khan met his lawyer, Barrister Salman Safdar, at Adiala prison on Monday after a gap of seven months, while his wife, Bushra Bibi, also met the lawyer after 11 months, according to Safdar.

In a statement posted on X, Safdar said prison authorities facilitated a 40-minute meeting with Imran Khan and his wife at 4:30 p.m.

"After repeated applications and requests, I met Khan Sahib after seven months and BB after 11 months," Safdar said.

He described the meeting as insufficient to cover all pending legal cases and matters involving the couple.

Safdar said both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi briefed him on their health and living conditions in prison and provided fresh instructions regarding several legal cases.

The meeting comes amid growing concerns from Khan's family, lawyers and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over restrictions on access to the former prime minister and his wife.

- Supreme Court order and health concerns

Imran Khan, 74, has been imprisoned since August 2023 following his conviction in a corruption case. He faces several other legal proceedings, which he and his party describe as politically motivated.

His health has become a major concern for his family and supporters, particularly after reports of a serious eye condition affecting his right eye emerged earlier this year.

On August 18, Pakistan's Supreme Court ordered authorities to transfer Khan to Islamabad's Shifa International Hospital for medical examination and treatment. The court also directed prison authorities to facilitate weekly meetings with family members and allow him to speak with his sons by telephone twice a week.

The ruling followed concerns about his deteriorating health and restricted access to family members and doctors. The court emphasized that prisoners retain their right to humane treatment and necessary medical care. However, government violated the top court order and didn't move Khan to Shifa International Hospital.

However, PTI leaders have repeatedly alleged that restrictions on meetings with Khan and his family have continued despite judicial directions. The party has also raised concerns about the implementation of the Supreme Court's hospital transfer order.

The government and prison authorities have maintained that Khan is receiving appropriate medical care and that his detention is being managed under applicable prison rules and security arrangements.

- Political tensions and arrests

Khan's imprisonment has remained a major source of political tension in Pakistan. His party has repeatedly accused the government of politically motivated actions, harassment of its supporters and restrictions on its political activities.

Several senior PTI leaders and hundreds of party workers have faced arrest or prosecution in cases linked to political protests and other allegations. The party says these actions are part of a wider campaign to weaken its political movement, while authorities maintain that legal proceedings are being conducted under the law.

Monday's meeting marks an important development for Khan's legal team after months of reported difficulties in obtaining access to the former prime minister and his wife.

Safdar did not provide further details about the couple's medical conditions or the specific legal instructions they gave him.