IHC seeks arguments on plea seeking ban on Imran’s X account

The Islamabad High Court sought arguments on Thursday regarding a petition requesting a ban on the X (formerly Twitter) account belonging to Imran Khan, founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir presiding over the case also requested a response from PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan concerning the party's stance on Imran's X account.

The court addressed a contempt petition as well, concerning the denial of a meeting between Imran Khan and his lawyer, Salman Akram Raja. Adiala Jail's superintendent informed the court that political discussions occurred during meetings with Imran, preventing Raja from meeting him. Justice Arbab questioned whether Raja could be allowed to meet Imran if he pledged not to discuss politics.

Raja argued he needed instructions from Imran to present arguments on the case's merits, noting that a previous court order permitting the meeting had not been implemented. The judge directed the state counsel to clarify whether Raja would be permitted to meet Imran with an assurance of no political discussion. Raja claimed he could not provide arguments without obtaining instructions from Imran and asserted that the PTI had no involvement in the case, emphasizing that Imran should be the principal party to provide instructions to his lawyer.

The court questioned Raja's representation, and he stated he could not represent Imran due to not receiving instructions. The judge then inquired about the authority to sign a power of attorney on behalf of Imran, to which Raja explained it was broader than that, as he desired to obtain instructions from Imran. He contended that if the authorities had concerns about the court's order allowing the meeting, they should have contested it through an appeal instead of ignoring it. The court adjourned the hearing.