Barrister Salman Safdar on Wednesday met Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan at Adiala Jail under directives issued by the Supreme Court.

The meeting was arranged following a court order in connection with appeals challenging the trial in the Toshakhana criminal case. The Supreme Court had appointed Salman Safdar as “friend of the court” and directed him to assess Khan’s condition and facilities in prison.

According to officials, Wednesday was the scheduled meeting day for the PTI founder. Salman Safdar entered Adiala Jail through Gate No 5, while Bushra Bibi’s family was also allowed to meet her through the same entrance.

Several PTI leaders and Khan’s sisters, including Barrister Gohar, Latif Khosa, Salman Akram Raja, Shaukat Basra, Qasim Khan, Naim Haider Panjotha and Fatahullah Barki, reached the jail but were stopped at the Marble Factory checkpoint and were not permitted to proceed.

Only Salman Safdar was granted access in line with the Supreme Court’s instructions.

The meeting, held inside Imran Khan’s cell, continued for nearly three hours. After concluding the visit, Salman Safdar left the jail premises.

Speaking to reporters outside, he said the former prime minister’s health was satisfactory and confirmed that the meeting lasted around three and a half hours.

“The meeting was held in accordance with the Supreme Court’s order. Further details will be shared in my report,” he said.

Earlier, a two-member bench headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi had directed Salman Safdar to visit the jail, review Khan’s condition and facilities, and submit a detailed written report.

The chief justice had instructed the attorney general to ensure that no hurdles were created in the meeting and allowed Salman Safdar to directly contact the court in case of any difficulties.

The court had also sought a report from the jail superintendent to present a complete picture.

During earlier proceedings, the attorney general informed the bench that reports related to Khan’s detention in Attock Jail from August 5 to August 18, 2023, had been submitted. However, the court appointed Salman Safdar to assess the current situation.

Lawyer Latif Khosa had complained about being denied access, prompting the chief justice to reiterate that the court’s order must be implemented.

The Supreme Court said further hearing in the case would be held after reviewing Salman Safdar’s report and adjourned proceedings until February 12.