Three prisoners cite Supreme Court ruling concerning Imran Khan as they seek specialised healthcare and communication facilities
ISLAMABAD: Three prisoners held at Adiala Jail have approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC), seeking permission for treatment at private hospitals and contact with family members after citing a Supreme Court order concerning similar facilities for PTI founder Imran Khan.
Justice Muhammad Asif heard petitions filed by inmates Ilyas Khan, Muhammad Ismail Khan and Owais Altaf. Subsequently, the court issued notices to the Adiala Jail superintendent and sought a response from prison authorities.
Barrister Akhtar Cheena told the court that one petitioner suffered from haemophilia and internal bleeding. He said authorities had taken the prisoner to hospital 10 times during the past two months without improvement.
Lawyers Seek Treatment at Private Hospital
Cheena argued that the required treatment was currently available in Pakistan only at Shifa International Hospital.
Referring to the Supreme Court ruling, he maintained that authorities could transfer a prisoner to a private medical facility when the necessary treatment was unavailable at government hospitals.
Moreover, he said the ruling allowed family members to bear treatment expenses and requested the formation of a medical board.
Appearing through video link, Owais Altaf’s counsel Syed Jaffar said his client suffered from fever and a heart condition. He consequently sought Altaf’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital for treatment.
Prisoner Seeks WhatsApp Call With Brother
Meanwhile, Muhammad Ismail’s lawyer told the court that his client had remained imprisoned at Adiala Jail for nine years.
He said Ismail had a brother living in Dubai but had not communicated with him for several years. Therefore, the lawyer requested the court to direct prison authorities to facilitate a WhatsApp call between the brothers.
The petitions follow the Supreme Court’s directions regarding medical and related facilities available to prisoners under appropriate circumstances.
After hearing the arguments, the IHC sought a formal response from Adiala Jail authorities on the requests.
The court then adjourned further proceedings until August 27, when authorities are expected to present their position on the inmates’ applications.
