Journalists were barred from covering the high-profile £190 million settlement case proceedings held at Adiala Jail on August 30. The case involves former Prime Minister Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, property tycoon Malik Riaz, and other key figures. The hearing was conducted under tight security and secrecy.
Despite the immense public interest in the case, reporters from various media outlets were denied access to the courtroom. Jail authorities cited “security concerns” and the “sensitivity of the case” as reasons for barring the media, sparking widespread frustration and raising questions about the motivations behind the move.
For several days, jail officials have been denying journalists access to the courtroom, which has sparked growing frustration among the press. Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has protested twice against the lack of media access.
Journalists covering the trial for the past year have shown unwavering dedication to their profession. They have lodged formal protests against what they describe as inappropriate behavior by the jail authorities. In response to the restrictions, they have filed two petitions in court, challenging the limitations placed on their ability to report on the case.
Sources suggest that the jail administration began obstructing media coverage after discovering an alleged facilitation network within the prison, which may have influenced the handling of the case.
On August 23, the Islamabad High Court directed that journalists be prohibited from interviewing Imran Khan during his jail trial but raised concerns about the legality of restricting media coverage altogether. Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb remarked that while the trial court judge has the authority to regulate proceedings and manage any disruptions caused by journalists, it is not the responsibility of the jail administration.
A journalist informed the court that despite following the standard operating procedures (SOPs), which include providing the names of seven journalists through a focal person, these journalists were still barred from entering the facility to report on the trial.
Justice Aurangzeb, in a firm stance, emphasized that the judge, not the jail administration, regulates the trial proceedings. He further stated that denying journalists access to cover the trial would contravene the principles of an open court. He instructed the Adiala Jail administration to comply with the court’s decision and allow the nominated journalists to cover the trial, reaffirming the court’s commitment to transparency and the rule of law.
