In captivity: MQM worker dies at jail hospital

Party alleges that he was not provided medical treatment on time

KARACHI: An interned worker of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) died during treatment at a hospital inside the Karachi Central Jail, allegedly due to negligence on the part of the authorities and a lack of facilities, claimed the party on Monday.

Addressing a press conference, MQM senior leader Nasreen Jalil said that party worker Naeem died because he was not given sufficient medical treatment on time. She added that jail inmates live in 'inhumane' conditions. The deceased belonged to MQM's Ranchore Line sector and was facing trial under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The Central Jail superintendent, Raja Mumtaz, however, refuted the party's claims and said the inmate was given all possible medical assistance.

Mumtaz told The Express Tribune that the suspect fell ill two days ago and was shifted to the hospital inside the jail for treatment. "He died all of a sudden," he maintained, adding that their medical facility was fully equipped to handle cases. Jalil, on the other hand, said that more than 6,500 inmates were inside the jail against its capacity of 2,000 inmates. She said that like the city, the jail also needed serious attention of the authorities for reforms.

MPA Mehfooz Yar Khan, other party leaders were also present during the press conference.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 22^nd, 2016.