LHC summons officials over inadequate facilities for Elahi

Elahi says as an ex-CM, he is entitled to better facilities in jail

LAHORE:

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has summoned the inspector general of prisons and the additional chief secretary on a petition filed against the alleged lack of ‘B’ class facilities provided to PTI Central President Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi.

Justice Amjad Rafique on Tuesday heard the plea.

Elahi had filed a petition with the high court, claiming that he was not receiving the appropriate ‘B’ class facilities in jail. As per the court's order, Elahi was brought before the court from his place of incarceration.

During the hearing, the court inquired about the duration of Elahi's imprisonment.

Elahi informed the court about the unsatisfactory conditions he was facing, citing issues such as bugs in his cell, inadequate washroom facilities, lack of ‘B’ class amenities, swollen feet, and declining health.

Also read Elahi seeks details of inquiries and FIRs against him

Elahi pleaded with the court to transfer him to the Services Hospital instead of jail, as he claimed the jail lacked proper facilities. In response, the court asked Elahi about his available options, to which he jokingly suggested that if PTI Chairman Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi were granted bail, he should also be considered for release. His remark elicited laughter in the courtroom.

In light of the petition, the court summoned the inspector general of prisons and the additional chief secretary to appear on Tuesday (today). The public prosecutor stated that the facilities provided to Elahi in jail were in accordance with the court's previous orders.

Seeking evidence, the court asked the prosecutor if photographs were available to support the claim. In response, Elahi alleged that such photographs could be staged, suggesting that the authorities simply provide the necessary facilities for the court's benefit.

Elahi had stated in his petition that, as a former chief minister, he was entitled to better class amenities in jail, including air conditioning and home-cooked meals, as ordered by the court.

Opposing Elahi's plea, the counsel for the Punjab government presented counterarguments. The court subsequently adjourned the hearing until Tuesday for further deliberation on the matter.