IHC reserves verdict on Imran-style facilities for Adiala prisoners
Justice Muhammad Asif reserved the judgment after hearing arguments from the prisoners’ lawyers, government law officers and jail authorities.
The petitions were filed by Owais Altaf, Ilyas Khan and Muhammad Ismail, who are currently being held at Adiala jail.
They have asked the court for permission to receive treatment at private hospitals where necessary medical facilities may not be available through government hospitals.
The prisoners have also requested permission to communicate with their relatives through WhatsApp calls.
The case has gained attention after the Supreme Court ordered authorities on August 18 to shift PTI founder Imran Khan to a private hospital for medical examination and treatment.
Following that decision, the three prisoners approached the Islamabad High Court, arguing that similar relief should also be available to other inmates facing serious medical problems.
Prisoners seek equal medical treatment
During the hearing, the petitioners’ lawyer told the court that one of the prisoners was suffering from a serious bleeding disorder.
According to the lawyer, the prisoner had developed internal bleeding in the large intestine, creating a potentially life-threatening medical condition.
The lawyer said the prisoner had spent around six months in jail and had been taken to hospital several times for treatment.
He argued that continued treatment should not remain limited to prison or government hospitals if the required medical care was unavailable there.
The counsel also referred to the Supreme Court’s recent order concerning Imran Khan. He argued that the decision remained valid and should not be interpreted as relief available only to the former prime minister.
“Why can the relief given by the Supreme Court not be extended to a common prisoner?” the lawyer asked.
He maintained that prisoners remain citizens and should receive equal protection under the law, particularly when serious health issues are involved.
Heart patient also seeks private treatment
Another petitioner, Muhammad Ismail, is an undertrial prisoner who has reportedly remained in custody for around six months.
His lawyer told the court that Ismail suffers from a heart condition and needs appropriate medical care.
The counsel further alleged that the Adiala jail superintendent rejected his request for treatment without consulting a doctor.
The Punjab government’s position was different. Advocate General Punjab Barrister Zafarullah told the court that authorities would act according to applicable laws and prison rules.
The dispute therefore centres partly on whether existing prison regulations provide enough flexibility for prisoners requiring treatment that may not be available within the government healthcare system.
Justice Asif expressed concern about the issue and warned that authorities could not “play with the illness of a prisoner”.
The observation highlighted the court’s concern over the medical needs of inmates and the responsibility of authorities to ensure prisoners receive necessary treatment.
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IHC examines WhatsApp call request
The court also considered the prisoners’ request to communicate with their relatives through WhatsApp.
Justice Asif questioned the legal basis for preventing prisoners from speaking with their families through such a method.
The Punjab Advocate General responded that prison rules allow calls to people living in Pakistan.
He added that exceptional circumstances could also be considered, particularly where a prisoner suffers from a disease that cannot be properly treated at a government hospital.
The exchange showed that the court was examining both medical treatment and communication rights separately.
The judge noted that the petitions involved two distinct matters, meaning the decision could address medical treatment and family communication under different legal considerations.
