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ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday reserved its verdict on petitions seeking treatment at private hospitals and communication with relatives through WhatsApp calls for three prisoners of Adiala jail, observing that prisoners’ rights could not be ignored merely because they were behind bars.
Justice Muhammad Asif reserved the judgement after hearing arguments from the petitioners, Advocate General Islamabad Naveed Hayat Malik, Advocate General Punjab Barrister Zafarullah and jail authorities.
The petitions were filed by Adiala jail prisoners Owais Altaf, Ilyas Khan and Muhammad Ismail. The pleas seek permission for treatment at private hospitals as the necessary medical facilities are allegedly unavailable at government hospitals, as well as permission to communicate with relatives through WhatsApp calls.
The matter has assumed significance following the Supreme Court’s Aug 18 order directing authorities to shift PTI founder Imran Khan to a private hospital for medical examination and treatment. Three other Adiala prisoners subsequently approached the IHC seeking similar relief.
