Jail authorities say prison meetings are being used for political messaging
ISLAMABAD: The administration of Adiala Jail has opposed a request seeking family meetings for Bushra Bibi and access to a personal doctor, telling the Islamabad High Court that such meetings were allegedly being used for political purposes.
According to Beyond Time News, the jail superintendent submitted a written report to the court during a hearing related to a petition filed by Bushra Bibi’s daughter, Mubashra Maneka.
The petition requested regular family meetings, medical access to a private physician, and permission to provide essential items.
Jail Administration Raises Security Concerns
The case came before Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir at the Islamabad High Court.
During the hearing, Islamabad Advocate General Naveed Malik and Adiala Jail Superintendent Sajid Baig appeared before the court.
The jail authorities argued that family meetings often led to political statements and social media activity afterward. According to the report, such actions could affect prison discipline and security arrangements.
The administration also referred to social media posts allegedly shared by Bushra Bibi’s sister, Maryam Riaz Wattoo, after previous family meetings.
Officials claimed these online activities created concerns for prison management.
Petitioner’s Lawyer Challenges Jail’s Position
Lawyer Salman Akram Raja, representing the petitioner, rejected the arguments presented by the jail administration.
He told the court that Maryam Riaz Wattoo had never visited Adiala Jail and currently lives abroad. He questioned how her social media activity could justify blocking a daughter from meeting her mother.
Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir directed the advocate general to obtain an affidavit regarding the matter.
The advocate general informed the court that the restriction on meetings was not permanent and could be reviewed later under prison rules.
Read more:KP CM Afridi Joins PTI Sit-In Near Adiala Jail Amid Tight Security
Court Seeks Detailed Arguments Before Final Decision
During the proceedings, Superintendent Sajid Baig informed the court that Adiala Jail currently houses around 7,200 prisoners.
He explained that the jail arranges meetings six days a week from Monday to Saturday under the jail manual and the Prison Management Information System.
Justice Tahir said the court wanted to fully understand the prison procedure before issuing a final order. He also instructed the jail administration to strictly follow prison rules and ensure fairness.
According to Beyond Time News, the court directed authorities to facilitate a meeting between Bushra Bibi and her daughter whenever possible until the next hearing.
The Islamabad High Court adjourned the case until May 14 and asked all parties to present detailed arguments under the relevant prison laws and regulations.
