Summary IHC hears appeals in £190m case as lawyer flags solitary confinement and vision concerns of PTI founder; court indicates early hearing and directs parties to prepare for next proceedings.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The Islamabad High Court on Thursday heard appeals and sentence suspension pleas in the £190 million case involving the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi, where the defense raised serious concerns over solitary confinement and health issues, prompting the court to indicate an early hearing of the appeals.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif took up the appeals and requests for suspension of sentences in the case.
Barrister Salman Safdar appeared on behalf of the PTI founder, while NAB prosecutors Javed Ashraf and Rafi Maqsood represented the prosecution.
During the proceedings, Barrister Salman Safdar informed the court that he had met the PTI founder on April 8 following court orders, but was not allowed to meet Bushra Bibi despite clear directives.
He stated that his last meeting with her took place on December 20, 2025.
The counsel highlighted several alarming issues observed during the meeting, including concerns about the PTI founder’s eyesight. He told the court that the PTI founder claimed his vision had deteriorated by 85 percent and that he was experiencing difficulty seeing even with one eye, adding that doctors had expressed limited hope for improvement.
Petition seeking access to Bushra Bibi fixed for hearing
Safdar further stated that the PTI founder is being kept in solitary confinement for 22 hours a day, while Bushra Bibi is confined for 24 hours, terming the situation unnecessary and against human rights. He questioned why such measures were being imposed when solitary confinement was not part of the court’s sentence.
He also raised concerns about both individuals’ eyesight, questioning whether there was any issue within Adiala Jail affecting inmates’ vision. The lawyer informed the court that the
PTI founder had recently been shifted to a hospital for treatment due to inadequate medical facilities in the prison.
The defense counsel requested the court to summon the Inspector General of Prisons, the jail superintendent, and relevant doctors to clarify the situation and address the issue of solitary confinement. Referring to the Nelson Mandela Rules, he argued that prolonged solitary confinement is considered a form of torture.
Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar, meanwhile, questioned why arguments on the appeals were not being presented.
He remarked that the court was ready to hear the appeals and could proceed with daily hearings to reach a swift decision.
Barrister Salman Safdar responded that his client had instructed him to first argue the sentence suspension pleas, adding that other lawyers might present arguments on the appeals.
He said he would need to review the complete case file before delivering effective arguments.
The court adjourned further hearing of the case and directed all parties to be prepared for the next proceedings.
