IHC CJ visits Adiala Jail over reports of violations

An NCHR report on the alleged torture of an inmate prompted the three-hour-long visit

RAWALPINDI:

Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Athar Minallah conducted a detailed visit of the Central Jail Adiala Rawalpindi over complaints of alleged human rights violations, torture, and bribery on jail premises. During his visit, the IHC CJ was accompanied by two other district court judges including Sessions Judge West Basharat Mufti and Sessions Judge East Atta Rabbani.

The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) had submitted a detailed report to the high court alleging torture and corruption taking place in Adiala Jail. The NCHR report on alleged torture of 21-year-old inmate, Shahab Hussain, particularly prompted the three-hour-long visit by the IHC CJ that took place on Saturday.

Justice Minallah along with two judges of the district court visited the barracks of dangerous inmates, women, and juvenile prisoners and listened to their problems. The IHC CJ also visited the kitchen, hospital, workshop, and other parts of the prison.

Sources said that the chief justice had separate meetings with more than two dozen prisoners during which he gathered details about the injustices occurring inside the jail.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 25^th, 2022.