Imran Khan's sister moves IHC against solitary confinement at Adiala Jail
Synopsis
Imran Khan's sister has taken the fight over his detention conditions to the Islamabad High Court, arguing that his solitary confinement at Adiala Jail has no judicial basis and violates Pakistan's constitutional guarantees of life and dignity. With family visits blocked despite court orders and health concerns mounting, the petition could force a rare judicial reckoning over how Pakistan's most prominent political prisoner is being held.
Key Takeaways
Aleema Khan filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on 15 May challenging Imran Khan's alleged solitary confinement at Adiala Jail .
The petition argues no court has ever ordered solitary confinement and that it violates Articles 9 and 14 of Pakistan's Constitution.
Imran Khan , 73 , has been imprisoned since August 2023 on convictions PTI calls politically motivated.
Family members and KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi were denied entry to Adiala Jail on Tuesday, despite an IHC order mandating visits every Tuesday and Thursday.
Concerns have also been raised over the health of both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi following eye procedures.
The federal government and jail authorities have denied all claims of solitary confinement and inadequate care.
Aleema Khan, sister of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, has filed a petition before the Islamabad High Court (IHC) challenging the alleged solitary confinement of her brother at Adiala Jail, local media reported on Friday, 15 May. The petition argues that no judicial order authorises such confinement, and that the detention conditions violate fundamental rights guaranteed under Pakistan's Constitution.
What the Petition Argues
Aleema Khan's petition contends that keeping Imran Khan in solitary confinement is unlawful and unsupported by any court order. It further alleges that his lawyers are being denied access for legal consultation and for executing power of attorney documents — a claim that, if established, would amount to a serious breach of due process.
The petition requests the IHC to declare the alleged solitary and incommunicado detention 'illegal, unlawful and without lawful authority', citing violations of Articles 9 and 14 of Pakistan's Constitution, which protect the right to life and human dignity respectively, according to reports citing Geo News.
Background: Khan's Imprisonment and Legal Battles
Imran Khan, 73, has been in prison since August 2023, following convictions that his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has consistently described as politically motivated. Since his removal from office in 2022 through a no-confidence vote, Khan has faced multiple cases, including allegations involving state gifts and an unlawful marriage case.
This is not the first time concerns have been raised about his detention conditions. PTI leaders and Khan's family members have repeatedly flagged deteriorating health, restricted access, and inadequate facilities — all of which the federal government and jail authorities have denied.
Access Denied Despite Court Orders
On Tuesday, Aleema Khan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi were again denied entry to meet Khan at Adiala Jail. Speaking to reporters afterwards, Aleema Khan called the denial a contempt of court, noting that the IHC had issued clear orders permitting family visits every Tuesday and Thursday.
'Imran Khan is not only our brother, but also the leader of PTI, so we said that we need all of you. Come here and increase the pressure so that Imran Khan can receive treatment in a proper hospital... Imran Khan had carried out a sit-in for 128 days. He spent day and night on the streets. Everyone will have to show a little courage. This is a difficult time, and we are doing whatever we can,' Aleema Khan said, according to reports citing Express Tribune.
Health Concerns and Demands
Khan's sisters and PTI leaders have also raised alarm over the health of both Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, particularly following eye procedures both reportedly underwent. They have demanded that Khan be transferred to a hospital for proper medical care and diagnostic testing under the supervision of doctors and family members.
Government's Position
The federal government and jail authorities have consistently rejected the family's claims regarding solitary confinement and inadequate medical access. The IHC petition now places the matter formally before the judiciary, and its outcome could set a significant precedent for the treatment of high-profile political prisoners in Pakistan.
Point of View
The judiciary faces a credibility test, not just the executive. Pakistan's history of high-profile political detentions suggests that judicial interventions often produce procedural concessions without structural change. The real question is whether the IHC will treat this as a narrow procedural matter or a broader inquiry into the conditions of detention — a distinction that will define how much pressure this petition actually generates.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Aleema Khan approached the Islamabad High Court?
Aleema Khan has petitioned the IHC to challenge her brother Imran Khan's alleged solitary confinement at Adiala Jail, arguing it is unlawful, unsupported by any court order, and violates Articles 9 and 14 of Pakistan's Constitution. The petition also alleges that lawyers are being denied access to Khan for legal consultation.
How long has Imran Khan been in prison?
Imran Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023, following convictions that PTI has described as politically motivated. He was removed from office in 2022 through a no-confidence vote and has since faced multiple cases, including those involving state gifts and an unlawful marriage.
What are the health concerns raised about Imran Khan?
Khan's family and PTI leaders have raised concerns about his deteriorating health, particularly after he and his wife Bushra Bibi reportedly underwent eye procedures. They have demanded he be transferred to a hospital for proper medical care under the supervision of doctors and family members.
Were family visits to Adiala Jail being allowed?
No. Despite an IHC order mandating family visits every Tuesday and Thursday, Aleema Khan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi were denied entry on Tuesday. Aleema Khan called the denial a contempt of court.
What is the government's response to the solitary confinement claims?
The federal government and jail authorities have consistently denied that Imran Khan is being held in solitary confinement or that he lacks adequate medical access. The IHC petition now requires these denials to be tested before the judiciary.
