Islamabad: A dispute has emerged between Adiala Jail authorities and the legal team of former prime minister Imran Khan over the availability of powers of attorney (PoAs) required for court proceedings related to the £190 million case.
According to Beyond Time News, both sides presented conflicting versions before the Islamabad High Court (IHC) regarding when the signed documents became available and whether Khan’s lawyers were properly informed to collect them.
Jail Authorities Claim Lawyers Were Informed
In a written reply submitted to the Islamabad High Court, the superintendent of Adiala Jail stated that the powers of attorney signed by Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were prepared on June 16 in compliance with court directives.
The jail administration maintained that Barrister Salman Safdar, counsel for the couple, was informed through a text message on the same day that the documents were ready for collection.
According to the response, a screenshot of the message was attached as supporting evidence. Jail officials argued that despite receiving notification, the legal team did not collect the documents before the court hearing held on June 18.
The superintendent further alleged that the court may have been given an inaccurate impression regarding the status of the documents.
Defence Counsel Rejects Jail Administration’s Version
Barrister Salman Safdar strongly disputed the claims made by jail authorities and insisted that his legal team made repeated attempts to obtain the required documents.
According to Beyond Time News, Safdar said members of his legal team visited Adiala Jail several times over the previous four weeks but were unable to secure the powers of attorney.
He stated that advocates associated with the legal team approached jail officials on multiple occasions seeking access to the signed documents.
Safdar argued that these unsuccessful efforts eventually forced the lawyers to file a contempt petition before the Islamabad High Court.
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Contempt Petition Added New Dimension to Dispute
The lawyer maintained that after the contempt petition was filed, jail authorities informed the legal team for the first time that a power of attorney signed by Imran Khan could be collected.
However, Safdar claimed that no corresponding document signed by Bushra Bibi was made available at that stage.
According to him, accepting only one of the required documents would not have adequately addressed the legal requirements of the case, prompting the team to continue pursuing complete documentation.
The disagreement has now become part of the broader legal proceedings before the Islamabad High Court.
Understanding the Role of Powers of Attorney
A power of attorney is a legal document that authorizes a lawyer to represent a client before a court. In high-profile cases involving incarcerated individuals, such documents are often necessary to enable legal counsel to file petitions, submit applications, and argue cases on behalf of their clients.
The dispute in the current matter centers on whether the documents were made available in a timely manner and whether the legal team was properly notified.
The issue is important because it directly affects legal representation and the progress of ongoing court proceedings.
Why the Matter Matters
The disagreement highlights continuing procedural disputes surrounding legal access and court-related documentation in politically significant cases.
Questions regarding the timely execution and delivery of legal documents can influence hearing schedules, legal strategy, and the pace of judicial proceedings.
Legal experts note that clear communication between prison authorities and defence lawyers is essential to ensure that court orders are implemented effectively and without controversy.
Possible Implications
The Islamabad High Court may examine the competing claims, including documentary evidence submitted by both parties, before determining whether any court directives were violated.
The court’s assessment could clarify the responsibilities of prison authorities and legal representatives in facilitating access to powers of attorney for incarcerated individuals.
Any findings may also influence future procedures for handling legal documentation in sensitive or high-profile cases.
Conclusion
The disagreement between Adiala Jail authorities and Barrister Salman Safdar has added a fresh legal dispute to the ongoing proceedings linked to the £190 million case. While jail officials insist that the powers of attorney were prepared and made available on time, the defence maintains that repeated efforts to obtain the documents were unsuccessful.
The Islamabad High Court is expected to review the competing accounts as it continues hearing matters related to the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dispute between Adiala Jail and Imran Khan’s lawyer?
The dispute concerns whether powers of attorney signed by Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were made available to their legal team and whether lawyers were properly informed to collect them.
Why are powers of attorney important in court cases?
They authorize lawyers to legally represent clients and undertake court proceedings on their behalf.
What did Adiala Jail authorities claim?
Jail officials said the signed documents were prepared on June 16 and that Barrister Salman Safdar was informed through a text message.
What is Barrister Salman Safdar’s position?
He says his legal team repeatedly visited the jail to obtain the documents but was unable to receive them despite several attempts.
How could the Islamabad High Court respond?
The court may review evidence from both sides and determine whether any court orders or legal procedures were violated.
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