RAWALPINDI: Women accused brought from Adiala Jail to courts in Rawalpindi have started appearing with both hands handcuffed, triggering protests from lawyers.
The development has prompted concerns from the District Bar Association and senior criminal lawyers over the treatment of women in custody.
The women told The Express Tribune that authorities kept them handcuffed for six to seven hours during court appearances.
They said the restraints made it difficult to adjust their dupattas and use washrooms during lengthy court proceedings.
The women also said handcuffs made it difficult to enter and leave police vehicles.
They alleged that male policemen sometimes held them while assisting them into or out of vehicles, causing further discomfort.
According to the women, the practice is currently being followed only in Rawalpindi.
Senior lawyer Shan Zaib Khan said the Constitution and law prohibit the handcuffing of women and children.
He said lawyers planned to approach the Lahore High Court against the order attributed to the Rawalpindi City Police Officer.
District Bar Association President Malik Sajid Tariq Awan also condemned the practice and called it unconstitutional.
He said the bar had launched a protest against the handcuffing of women accused.
Awan warned that lawyers would approach the chief justices of the Supreme Court and high court if authorities failed to end the practice.
The lawyers said the treatment had caused significant distress among accused women and their families.
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