Inmates protest court hardships

RAWALPINDI:

Prisoners being transported daily from Central Jail Adiala to courts in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Murree, Taxila and Gujar Khan have raised serious complaints over hardships faced during Ramazan.

Up to 1,500 accused persons are transported daily from Adiala Jail to various courts in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, including sessions, civil, NAB, anti-terrorism and special courts.

The prisoners said their fasts often open while they are still on the road. They alleged that even drinking water is not available in police vans.

Among them are juvenile and female inmates.

Accused Khan Waiz and Chaudhry Mushtaq said that after court appearances they are usually released from judicial lock-ups around 5pm.

Those returning from Islamabad and Murree courts often break their fast while still en route. Vehicles do not stop, and neither water nor dates are provided. They claimed that food items brought by family members for Iftar are not allowed inside.

Even after reaching the jail gate, it takes nearly an hour to reach their respective wards.