Imran Khan’s sisters were once again stopped from meeting him at Adiala Jail, sparking fresh controversy over alleged violations of court orders.

Speaking to media outside the prison, Aleema Khan said the refusal violated orders issued by the Islamabad High Court, which had allowed family meetings twice a week. She said that ignoring the court’s instructions raised serious legal questions and added to concerns already surrounding the treatment of the PTI founder in custody. Meanwhile, another legal battle unfolded in the Islamabad High Court on the issue of meetings between Bushra Bibi and her relatives.

A separate court battle was taking place in the Islamabad High Court over Bushra Bibi’s meetings with her relatives.

Jail officials resisted calls for routine family visits and access to a personal doctor, saying such meetings were reportedly being used to spread political messages outside the prison. During the hearing, jail officials told the court that statements and social media activity often followed these meetings, which they said posed administrative and security challenges inside the prison. Officials also highlighted the large inmate population at Adiala Jail, saying strict scheduling procedures were necessary to manage visits fairly. But lawyers representing Bushra Bibi’s family rejected those claims. They said it was unreasonable and unfair to deny a daughter the right to meet her mother because of online political commentary. The legal team also questioned how social media posts from relatives living abroad could justify restrictions inside the prison.

Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir said the court wanted to be apprised of the complete prison procedures before coming to the final decision. He further directed the authorities to allow Bushra Bibi to meet her daughter whenever she wanted during the pendency of the case.

With the next hearing scheduled for May 14, the dispute over prison access is likely to keep political tensions alive in the coming days.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)