Convict seeks PTI founder-like jail perks

ISLAMABAD:

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) reserved on Wednesday its verdict on the maintainability of a petition seeking the same prison facilities for a convicted murderer as those reportedly extended to the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) at Adiala Central Jail.

The petitioner, who is serving a life sentence in a murder case, claimed that he has been denied superior-class facilities and visitation privileges similar to those available to the PTI founder. He requested the court to direct the Adiala Jail Superintendent and other relevant authorities to grant him equal treatment.

Justice Muhammad Azam Khan heard the petition filed by Muhammad Irfan, a convict serving a 25-year sentence. Advocate Naveed Malik, representing the petitioner, argued that despite repeated requests, his client has not been granted superior-class facilities provided to certain other inmates.

He further contended that the PTI founder enjoys enhanced amenities and regular visitation rights, asserting that the same entitlements should be extended to his client under the principle of equality before the law.

The petition lists the Secretary of the Interior, the Superintendent of Adiala Jail, the Chief Commissioner, and the Punjab Home Department as respondents. The counsel urged the court to issue directions ensuring parity in the provision of jail facilities.

After hearing the arguments, the court remarked that an order would be issued in due course and subsequently reserved its decision on the petition's maintainability.