The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday gives final warning to Adiala Jail authorities that the court would move the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) trial of former prime minister Imran Khan to another place if his lawyers continued to be denied access.
Imran’s legal team, headed by Chaudhry Faisal Hussain, stated they were prevented from attending two hearings on August 29 and September 2. This prompted Justice Ejaz Ishaq Khan to issue the warning.
“If Adiala Jail officials do not allow lawyers to appear for their client… this Court is going to relocate the court from the jail to separate premises under immediate sight of this court,” the judge said.
The IHC also served summons on the superintendent and deputy superintendent of Adiala Jail, directing them to appear at the next hearing to explain their conduct.
The ruling read: “In case they are not there… this Court will proceed on the assumption that the allegations in the request are correct.”
Imran’s legal team contended that the lack of access violated his fundamental right to legal counsel, regardless of whether the trial took place in jail.
The IHC underlined similar concerns, identifying them as severe issues affecting the right to justice.
The court also ruled that any evidence recorded during the trial without the participation of Imran’s legal team would be considered unimportant.
The case is adjourned until September 9.
