IHC seeks detailed arguments in case regarding Bushra Bibi's meetings

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday directed the parties to present arguments at the next hearing in a case seeking Bushra Bibi's meeting with her daughter in jail

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th May, 2026) The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday directed the parties to present arguments at the next hearing in a case seeking Bushra Bibi's meeting with her daughter in jail.

The Superintendent of Adiala Jail, during the hearing, has rejected the request for family meetings and access to a personal physician for Bushra Bibi, the spouse of the PTI founder, citing that political discourse takes place outside the jail after meetings.

The Superintendent submitted a written report to the Islamabad High Court stating that, after family meetings with Bushra Bibi, her sister, Maryam Wato, posts tweets on social media.

A single bench of Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir heard the petition filed by Mubashra Maneka, the daughter of Bushra Bibi, seeking permission for family meetings, access to a personal physician, and provision of necessary items.

Advocate General Islamabad Naveed Malik and Superintendent Adiala Jail Sajid Beg appeared before the court.

The Advocate General informed the court that the Superintendent had decided on the representation regarding family meetings with Bushra Bibi and had not granted immediate permission for a meeting.

Salman Akram Raja appeared on behalf of the petitioner and argued that the report had cited reasons for denying the meeting, claiming that political matters were discussed outside. The report attached tweets by Bushra Bibi's sister, Maryam Riaz Wato. Salman Akram Raja argued that Maryam Wato has never visited Adiala Jail and resides abroad.

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He questioned how a daughter could be denied a meeting with her mother based on the tweets of a third person.

The court addressed the Advocate General and suggested obtaining an affidavit from Maryam Wato regarding the matter. The Advocate General responded that the denial was not permanent and that the jail administration has to oversee the entire system, as there are other prisoners as well.

The Jail Superintendent informed the court that Adiala Jail currently houses 7,200 prisoners, with separate days designated for meetings based on the nature of their crimes. Meetings are held six days a week from Monday to Saturday, and all meetings are conducted under the Prison Management Information System in accordance with the jail manual.

Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir remarked that this appeared to be a very good system and that the court wanted to understand its procedure. He stated that the court should be fair to everyone and that the jail administration would work according to the jail manual.

He said the court did not want to make a hasty decision on this petition and wished to properly understand the entire procedure before issuing a ruling.

The judge suggested that, in the meantime, the jail administration should arrange a meeting between Bushra Bibi and her daughter whenever possible.

He directed the parties to present arguments at the next hearing, keeping the jail rules in mind. The court adjourned further proceedings until May 14.