IHC orders senior govt official to visit Banigala sub-jail

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC), while hearing the petition filed by Bushra Bibi in connection with her shifting from Banigala sub jail to Adiala Jail, sought a report about her presence in the sub jail on Thursday.

The court ordered senior officer of Islamabad administration to visit the Banigala sub jail, remarking superintendent jail should pass an order on the petition on the meeting of Bushra Bibi with PTI founder. The superintendent jail should file a report with IHC registrar.

The petition filed by Bushra Bibi seeking her shifting from Banigala to Adiala Jail came up for hearing in the IHC on Thursday. Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb took up the case for hearing.

The notification regarding approval of chief commissioner on shifting Bushra Bibi to Banigala was presented in the court. The court inquired from state counsel as to who owned this house and if this had been done with the willingness of the owner of the house.

Justice Gul Hassan remarked if the official had sought permission from the owner of the house while declaring it a sub jail. The counsel told the court the house was owned by Imran Khan and was declared a sub jail without any consultation.

The state counsel told the court as Bushra Bibi is the former first lady, therefore, she had been shifted to Banigala for the sake of security. Counsel Usman said this entire process was illegal. This was the job of IG jails. When Bushra Bibi had entered the Adiala jail, then superintendent jail had no power to shift her. This was the power of IG Jail.

Justice Miangul remarked how the petitioner had been kept in Banigala. The counsel told the court she had been shut in one room of Banigala house. The state counsel said, “I will tell the court after asking from jail authorities.”

The counsel Usman said the court should appoint a bailiff who should go there and file a report today. No permission had been given to Imran Khan for his meeting with Bushra Bibi even for a day after January 31. The court sought a report and issued the aforementioned orders.