ISLAMABAD, Feb 10 (APP):The Supreme Court on Tuesday appointed Advocate Salman Safdar as amicus curiae (friend of the court) to assess the current condition, health status, and facilities available to the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in jail during the hearing of the Toshakhana criminal case.
A two-member bench comprising Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan heard the case.
The Court directed Salman Safdar to visit the jail, meet the PTI founder, and submit a comprehensive written report detailing his physical condition, health, available facilities, and overall circumstances of detention.
Chief Justice Afridi issued clear instructions that no obstruction should be created in arranging the meeting. The Court also sought a separate report from the Superintendent Jail regarding the detainee’s current situation.
During the hearing, the Attorney General presented a report covering the period from August 5 to August 18, 2023, stating that it related to the PTI founder’s detention in Attock Jail.
The Chief Justice instructed Salman Safdar to visit the jail immediately and directed the Attorney General to ensure that the meeting takes place without any difficulty. He further told Safdar that in case of any obstruction, he may directly contact the Court.
Advocate Latif Khosa also appeared at the rostrum and informed the Court that he had not been allowed to meet the PTI founder. In response, the Chief Justice stated that the Court had already issued clear orders in this regard and reiterated that Salman Safdar would visit the jail the same day.
The Court adjourned further hearing of the case until February 12, indicating that a decision would be taken after receiving both reports.