Adiala jailer put on notice in contempt case

A Rawalpindi-based Special Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Friday rejected a reply submitted by the Adiala Jail superintendent against a contempt of court petition filed by Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid, directing the former to submit a fresh detailed response.

ATC Judge Malik Ijaz Asif expressed strong resentment over the jailer’s absence during the hearing and directed him to appear before the court with a detailed reply.

At the outset of the hearing, the judge asked why, despite the court’s order, Rashid was not being allowed to meet with his family.

“The jail administration didn’t arrest him [Rashid] rather he was sent to the jail following the court’s orders,” the judge remarked.

Read Sheikh Rashid moves ATC for bail

Sardar Shehbaz, the former interior minister’s counsel, told the court that his client was not being given B-Class facilities in jail and he was also not allowed to meet with his counsel.

The jail official informed the court that Rashid was being extended amenities of B-Class.

At this, Rashid’s counsel countered the jail administration’s response by stating that the same class should be given to his client.

The jail’s representative argued that the authorities even failed to fix a meeting of Rashid with his family members.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 27^th, 2024.