Medical assistance: Tribal internee to get help from K-P

PHC directs govt to facilitate hepatitis patient Umar Saeed.

PESHAWAR: The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has been directed to provide medical assistance to a Mohmand Agency internment centre inmate.

The ruling was passed by the Peshawar High Court on Tuesday. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Mazhar Alam Miankhel and Justice Irshad Qaiser issued the orders for the treatment of Umar Saeed when it was informed that the detainee is a patient of hepatitis C and blood pressure.

During the proceedings, the court was informed that Saeed is present at an internment centre in Ghallanai and is in dire need of medical help outside the facility.

Upon hearing the arguments, the court issued directives to K-P government and Peshawar commissioner to facilitate Saeed. A medical report was also presented before the court which was termed inadequate. The bench directed the centre’s medical officer to appear in person and assist the court in this regard on the next date of hearing.

Gone with the wind

In a separate enforced disappearance case, the court was informed by Mohim Afridi, counsel for Ismail, that his client was a student of 6th grade. He was picked up by the police and secret service agencies on September 27, 2014.

“Three relatives of his, namely Amanullah Khan, Naqibullah and Amjid, were also picked up. However, Ismail returned home in Ramazan, safe and without any charges,” said Afridi. Upon learning that the boy has been released, the court disposed of the petition.

Bridging gaps

Another bench comprising Justice Nisar Hussain Khan and Justice Daud Khan stayed the retendering of a six-kilometre road in Bajaur Agency. The road is to be constructed between Chaw Gul and Bajre Tabtwar areas. FATA chief engineer, communication and works northern circle superintendent engineer and FATA highways Bajaur executive engineer were made respondents in the case.

Ijaz Sabi, counsel for Haji Alamzeb and Company and Ittehad and Company, told the court the government issued the tender and his clients were declared successful in the prequalification stage. However, without reason the government re-advertised the project, he added.

Sabi said his clients were sidelined from the project at the behest of the government and a local MNA.

“Amir Wahab and Sons, Juma Saeed Construction, Bajaur Construction and Rooz and Sons Construction Company were included in the prequalification stage which is totally illegal and discrimination against my clients,” he said. Upon hearing the arguments, the court issued an interim order and stayed the re-advertisement till further directives.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 9^th,  2015.