Families protest indefinite visitation ban at Adiala Jail

Chant slogans and demand reversal of the ban

RAWALPINDI:

A prolonged visitation ban at Central Jail Adiala has left over 7,000 prisoners cut off from their families, sparking protests from hundreds of relatives who were unable to meet their loved ones.

The indefinite ban, extended without prior notice, has caused heartbreak and frustration among families who rely on these visits to provide essential items to the inmates.

On Saturday, families were informed of an indefinite visitation ban starting immediately. However, many remained unaware, and on Monday, October 21, a large number of parents and family members arrived at the facility, only to be turned away at the gate. Parents, spouses, and children who had brought food, clothing, and other necessities for the prisoners were left devastated, prompting them to stage a protest outside the facility.

The crowd chanted slogans, condemning the indefinite ban and demanding its reversal.

The families, carrying items like blankets, socks, shoes, sweaters, jackets, and other winter essentials for their loved ones, chanted slogans against the indefinite ban and demanded its immediate reversal. Many expressed deep frustration over the lack of communication from the authorities, with some relatives saying that prisoners had been left without necessary supplies for days.

The ban, which was initially imposed from October 5 to October 18, has now lasted 17 days, creating hardship for the prisoners, who depend on their families for basic needs such as food and warm clothing. Authorities have yet to provide a clear explanation for the extension, leaving many families worried about the well-being of their incarcerated relatives as winter approaches.

During the ban, Adiala Jail authorities enhanced security measures by installing advanced night vision cameras at Gate Five entrances, biometric devices for staff identification, and bar code scanners for baggage searches.

Additionally, operational training exercises were conducted with various law enforcement and aid agencies to improve coordination between jail police and other agencies in handling any potential law and order situations within the facility.

The two-day ban, which ended on October 20, was extended once again by the Punjab government at Adiala Jail due to security concerns.

This marks the second time the visitation ban has been extended.

Sources revealed that the ban applies to the founder of PTI, his wife, and all other political prisoners and detainees. In accordance with the Punjab government's orders, jail authorities have completely closed visiting Gate No. 3 and deployed armed police personnel for security.

Sources also indicated that once the Punjab government lifts the ban, visitations will resume as usual.

In response, families of the affected prisoners have announced their plan to challenge the visitation ban in the Rawalpindi High Court bench, citing violations of prisoners' rights and concerns over the lack of essential items being provided to them during this extended period of isolation.

This situation has further strained the already difficult conditions for inmates and their families, with many now calling on authorities to end the ban and allow prisoners to receive the support they need from their loved ones.