IHC seeks report on Imran’s jail transfer

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered relevant authorities to submit a report, explaining the reasons for shifting deposed prime minister Imran Khan to Attock jail instead of Adiala jail while also issuing notices to Attock’s police chief over a contempt of court plea.

IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq on Saturday issued a written order on a petition filed by the PTI for imprisoning Imran at Attock jail instead of Adiala jail, the latter located in the garrison city of Rawalpindi.

The court also ordered the jail administration to provide the PTI chairman with a prayer mat and an English translation of the Holy Quran.

Imran Khan who was convicted and sentenced to three years in prison last week for submitting inaccurate details of his assets and liabilities to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was supposed to be incarcerated in Adiala jail.

However, after his arrest from Lahore he was shifted to Attock jail.

On Saturday, the state law officer told the court that Imran was not incarcerated in Adiala jail due to security concerns as the jail is overpopulated.

“Let the respondents file a report on this behalf before the next date of hearing appending all the necessary documents indicating submissions made by the Advocate-General,” the court said.

Imran’s counsels contended that pursuant to an order of the IHC, they tried to visit the Attock jail. However, the jail authorities did not comply with the court order and instead filed a first information report (FIR) against the counsels.

Punjab additional advocate-general said as per the relevant laws, the jail visit time is from 08:00 am to 02:00 pm which can be stretched to 03:00 pm. No visitor can be permitted after these hours, he said.

The court noted that there is nothing on record which bars people from meeting a prisoner more than once a week. In view of the referred position, it said, the jail authorities shall provide reasonable opportunity to the relatives, friends and legal advisors of the petitioner to seek interview in accordance with the rules and jail manual, subject to the permission by the Attock jail superintendent
“He may also be provided the prayer mat and English version of the Quran and appropriate medical facilities to cater his health and wellbeing.

“Insofar as the provision of food from home is concerned, let the parties assist on the next date of hearing as to the rules on the subject. It is reiterated that the petitioner be provided all the facilities as per his entitlement under the Rules and other relevant laws,” the court said.

The court also issued notices to Attock District Police Officer Dr Giyaz Gul for alleged contempt of court on a petition filed by one of the PTI chief’s counsels, Sher Afzal Khan Marwat.