IHC orders inquiry into alleged torture of prisoner

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered a judicial magistrate to inquire into an incident of alleged torture of a prisoner in Adiala Jail and submit a report within a week. The court has also ordered the authorities to get the affected prisoner medically examined by a PIMS medical board.

Prisoner Shah Fahd had filed a petition alleging that the jail authorities tortured him for pointing out the abuse on prisoners during the visit of judges to Adiala Jail. IHC Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri issued a written order for the hearing of prisoner Shah Fahad.

The court wrote that according to the petitioner, he was subjected to the worst torture by the jail authorities. Photographs with torture marks on the prisoner's body have also been attached along with the petition. The written order states that no torture shall be allowed on any prisoner.

The court directed the judicial magistrate to ensure the safety of prisoner Shah Fahad in judicial custody. The court ordered the judicial magistrate to conduct a medical examination of the prisoner in PIMS and directed the head of PIMS to form a medical board. The court said whether an incident of violence has taken place or not, an investigation should be done and a report submitted within a week.

In addition to recording the statement of the prisoner, the judicial magistrate can also summon witnesses to investigate the charges levelled by the prisoner against the jail authorities. The court adjourned further hearing of the case until December 7.