Nawaz enjoying facilities of ‘better class’ on his ‘own expenses’ in Adiala Jail

Punjab govt denies claims by PML-N that deposed PM being kept in abysmal condition

LAHORE: Denying the PML-N claims regarding deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif being kept in abysmal condition at Adiala jail, Caretaker Information Minister Punjab Ahmed Waqas Riaz has said that facilities of ‘better class’ has been provided to Sharif according to his privilege.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, he said a prisoner of ‘better class’ can get bed, mattress, shoes, table, chair, 21 inch TV, radio, toiletries, newspapers and other such things on his own expenses. He further disclosed that Nawaz Sharif has been kept in a separate room, where facilities like bed, clothes, ceiling fan, two bracket fans and toiletries have been provided to him.

The interim minister maintained that proper place for walking has also been provided to Nawaz Sharif and he regularly walks in a lawn adjacent to his room.



On Monday, PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif wrote a letter to Caretaker PM Nasirul Mulk and Punjab Caretaker CM Hasan Askari Rizvi, seeking better facilities for his elder brother at the prison in Rawalpindi.

“During my visit and meeting along with other family members I found Nawaz Sharif in a pathetic prison environment which is highly detrimental to his health and well-being. He was not even given newspaper to read, his bed was a mattress on the floor and washroom was not clean and there was no air conditioner in the room. No attendant was there and the medical check-up facility was also not up to the mark.”

However, in today's news conference, Riaz said medical staff of jail and consultant of Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology regularly examine Sharif and a special cook prepare food daily advised by nutritionist of the same institute, adding that Sharif’s diet includes fruit, salad, dates and minced meat and his health condition is satisfactory.



He said that family members and friends can meet the three-time prime minister of the country on his desire on Thursday. However, legal experts can meet him at any weekday, he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Additional Inspector General Prison Department Malik Mubashar Ahmed Khan said that jail rules and regulations are being regularly followed and possible facilities have been provided to Maryam Nawaz as well.

He said that after the amendment in the Constitution, there is no A or B class in the jail anymore, but a ‘common’ and ‘better class’ and Sharif has been kept in ‘better class’.

While responding to questions, Riaz said special measures have been taken for providing security to the politicians of Punjab and this security will be ensured at any cost. “We are bounded by law and will only do whatever is being permitted by the Constitution.”