Shahid Khaqan Abbasi moves IG Punjab prisons for better class in jail

Counsel files application under Rule 248 and 245 of the Pakistan Prison Rules

ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has approached the inspector general of the prisons, Punjab, for the provision of better class to the him in Adiala jail, Rawalpindi, where he is under the judicial custody of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

Barrister Zafarullah, counsel for Abbasi, has moved an application under Rule 248 and 245 of the Pakistan Prison Rules. It said that non-provision of required facilities affected the health of Abbasi – a violation of Articles 9, 10 and 14 of the Constitution.

A medical board, comprising doctors from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) on October 8 examined Abbasi and gave several recommendations, considering his gout problems and to avoid high purine diet and fatty diet.

The recommendations included provision of hygienic environment, heating/cooling in the form of inverter air-conditioning, separate toilet/washroom and home-cooked meal. The board had also advised diagnostic tests of Abbasi.

The application stated that the recommendations of medical board must be implemented immediately in order to avoid further deterioration of Abbasi’s health, and sought arrangements for the required tests as advised by medical board as soon as possible.