ISLAMABAD, Nov 10 (APP):The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed jail authorities to arrange a one-hour meeting between PTI founder and Bushra Bibi and their lawyers, Barrister Salman Safdar and Sardar Latif Khosa, in the £190 million case. The court directed the lawyers to begin arguments on the appeals at the next hearing after the meeting. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif …
IHC orders jail meeting of PTI founder and Bushra Bibi with lawyers in £190m case
ISLAMABAD, Nov 10 (APP):The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed jail authorities to arrange a one-hour meeting between PTI founder and Bushra Bibi and their lawyers, Barrister Salman Safdar and Sardar Latif Khosa, in the £190 million case.
The court directed the lawyers to begin arguments on the appeals at the next hearing after the meeting.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif heard the appeals against the convictions.
During the hearing, Barrister Salman Safdar informed the court that he had met founder after seven months and Bushra Bibi after 11 months. He said Bushra Bibi had asked him where he had been for the past 11 months, adding that regular meetings between lawyers and their clients in jail were necessary.
The counsel also raised concerns about the health of both prisoners. He said Khan’s eyesight had improved, but his blood pressure remained uncontrolled. According to the counsel, Imran Khan had expressed concern that uncontrolled blood pressure could lead to a brain haemorrhage.
Regarding Bushra Bibi, Salman Safdar said her eyesight was in a very poor condition and that she had undergone emergency surgery six months ago. He said another operation was scheduled for November 15.
He argued that Bushra Bibi could not receive adequate treatment in jail, adding that she was returned to her cell on the same day after surgery. He requested the court to constitute a medical board and summon her complete medical record from Adiala Jail. He also sought four to six weeks’ bail on medical grounds if the court was not inclined to grant her regular bail.
Islamabad Advocate General Naveed Malik told the court that Bushra Bibi was receiving medical treatment in jail and that all necessary facilities were being provided to her. He also submitted a record of the treatment and said a medical board had examined her on November 8.
Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar observed that he had heard Salman Safdar in detail, but the matter concerning health was already pending before the Federal Constitutional Court. Salman Safdar clarified that no matter concerning Bushra Bibi was pending before that court.
The counsel also sought copies of the paper books and time to prepare arguments on the appeals, saying the documents had not yet been completed or provided.
Sardar Latif Khosa told the bench that he had earlier requested a meeting with Imran Khan and had assured the court that he would not seek further adjournment after meeting his client. He said he was still awaiting the meeting.
When the chief justice asked how long a meeting was required, Khosa sought at least one hour. The court directed that the meeting be arranged and asked the lawyers to commence arguments at the next hearing.
Salman Safdar also requested another meeting with his clients, saying the previous meeting had been insufficient and that he had received instructions during it. The Advocate General said meetings could be arranged for both lawyers if they assured the court that arguments would begin at the next hearing.
The court subsequently directed jail authorities to arrange meetings for both lawyers and adjourned the hearing.
