The Islamabad High Court (IHC) directed the government on Friday to maintain the safety and health of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, who are right now detained in Adiala Jail.
"The federal government must ensure compliance with the guidelines provided by the court," according to the verdict. The court's decision requires that Imran and his wife be given access to all necessary amenities while in prison.
IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq gave a written ruling stating a number of crucial orders, including disposing of Bushra Bibi's plea for the provision of amenities and the preservation of fundamental rights for the detained PTI founder.
The former prime minister, who was removed from office by a no-trust motion in April 2022, is embroiled in a legal quagmire, facing allegations ranging from corruption to terrorism since losing the premiership.
He has been behind bars since August of last year, when he was jailed in the Toshakhana case and then in additional cases ahead of the February 8 elections.
Khan received relief in the remaining cases, including the £190 million reference and Toshakhana, and was acquitted in the high-profile cipher case in July.
However, the former first couple remained imprisoned solely because of their conviction in the iddat (un-Islamic nikah) case.
"It is incorrect to say that a prisoner has no rights," the verdict stated. "Imprisonment does not indicate harsh treatment. The objective of jail is to reform the prisoner without subjecting them to any physical or emotional stress.
The court noted that the federal government has thus far failed to ensure the same. The judgment emphasized the importance of quick compliance with the provided rules in all jails around the country.
"Pakistan is a signatory to numerous international human rights agreements," the court stated, adding that the federal government had not taken appropriate efforts to implement these agreements.