ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday issued notices to relevant authorities while hearing a contempt of court petition filed by lawyer Salman Akram Raja for having been denied a meeting with the incarcerated founder of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), despite a clear judicial order permitting it.

Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir heard the petition and sought explanation from officials concerned over non-implementation of the court’s earlier directive.

Mr Raja appeared in person and informed the court that despite the written order, he was not allowed to meet the former prime minister at Adiala jail.

He said SHO Aizaz failed to comply with the court’s instructions, saying, “The order was explicit, yet I was barred from meeting my client.”

He further requested the court to allow the deputy registrar (judicial) to accompany him to the jail to ensure compliance. However, Justice Tahir declined, observing, “No, we cannot send him along. We will issue notices, and action will be taken strictly according to the law.”

The court then summoned the assistant attorney general to the rostrum and questioned why the meeting did not take place despite the IHC’s clear direction.

Justice Tahir remarked that if Mr Raja could not meet his client, “how will he assist us in the Twitter/X case?”

The assistant attorney general responded that he would again convey the court’s order to the authorities concerned to ensure its implementation. Subse­quently, the bench issued notices to the home secretary, Adiala jail superintendent, and other respondents, seeking their replies before the next hearing.

The court adjourned the proceedings, with the next date to be communicated through a written order.

Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2025