NDC Seeks IHC Help for Visits to Imran, Bushra

The National Dialogue Committee has approached the Islamabad High Court seeking directions to ensure meetings with former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, who are both in custody. The petition says the restriction on visitation rights violates constitutional protections and prison regulations, according to Dawn Pakistan.

The plea was filed under Article 199 of the Constitution, along with Section 561 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Pakistan Prison Rules, 1978. It was submitted by NDC chairman Mahmood Baqi Molvi and committee members Imran Ismail, Barrister Muhammad Ali Khan Saif and Fawad Ahmed, all of whom are described as former federal ministers and senior PTI leaders.

What the petition argues

In the petition, the applicants contend that jail authorities have placed an illegal and arbitrary ban on meetings with the imprisoned couple since their incarceration on August 5, 2023. They say the restrictions have continued for almost a year in the case of Imran Khan and have affected the family’s ability to meet both him and Bushra Bibi.

The petition names the Federation of Pakistan through the Ministry of Interior, the Punjab Home Department and the superintendent of Central Jail Adiala as respondents. It says the denial of access has compromised constitutional guarantees, including the right to life and liberty under Article 9 and the right to dignity under Article 14.

Reference to prison and international rules

The petition also argues that the matter conflicts with prison regulations and international standards, including the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, known as the Nelson Mandela Rules. According to the filing, the family has not been allowed access to their imprisoned brother and his wife, which has raised concern about his health and security in custody.

Dawn Pakistan reported that the petition frames the issue as one of both legal procedure and basic rights, asking the court to intervene and facilitate lawful visitation.

Why the case matters

The National Dialogue Committee action adds another legal challenge tied to the detention of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, both central figures in Pakistan’s political debate. The case is likely to draw attention because it combines prison access, constitutional claims and the continuing sensitivity around the former premier’s detention.

For now, the petition seeks only court directions for meetings. No ruling from the Islamabad High Court was included in the feed summary.