IHC orders prisoners’ release on bail due to viral outbreak

Islamabad administration directed to implement the order and submit compliance report by March 24

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered the release of petty offenders on bail in view of the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in Pakistan. In a nine-page written order, IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah also directed the police to refrain from making unnecessary arrests.

In the order, the justice ordered the release of such petty offenders who do not pose any threat to the general public. The order is applicable to only those under trail prisoners who are being tried in different courts within the limits of Islamabad capital territory.



The order will also benefit such under trial prisoners (UTPs) whose bail applications have been rejected. However, cases against these UTPs will not be dropped. The move has been necessitated by the outbreak of contagious disease and imposition of health emergency in the country.

Health officials will screen all UTPs after their release from the jail. The Islamabad administration has been directed to implement the order and submit a compliance report by March 24.

Any negligence on the part of the state in respect of UTPs could have irreparable consequences. It’s the state’s responsibility to safeguard the rights of prisoners.