ISLAMABAD
Islamabad High Court (IHC) while hearing the petition pertaining to torture against the prisoners in Adiala jail ordered to take action against the IG Jail and Superintendent Adiala jail besides setting up special court for human rights within a week.
The case came up for hearing before single bench of IHC led by the Chief Justice (CJ) Athar Minallah here Monday.
The court remarked during the hearing of the case that Human Rights Commission (HRC) presented the best report. Court appreciates it. By reading the report it seems as if Adiala jail is a detention centre. It seems after reading the report that the prisoners are being subjected to violence in jail. Presence of prisoners in jail beyond its capacity is itself violence. It is violation of human rights.
The court ordered to establish complaint cell in Adiala jail. It should be ensured that no action is taken against the prisoners who provide information.
The CJ IHC called PTI leader Asad Umar on rostrum who was present in the court.
The CJ IHC remarked court had sent its decision to your government in 2020. What reports have been presented in the court are horrendous.
Asad Umar told the court” I get the reports and talk to Punjab administration.
The court remarked who should be held responsible for all this.
Asad Umar told the court the government should be held responsible.
The court remarked whosoever comes in the power he does not care for weak segments of society. You government is in place in the province. Adiala jail is detention centre. Colonial mindset prevails therein.
Asad Umar told the court I see this matter. The matter of 70 years old Azam Swati should also be seen.
The court remarked all are seen one by one. No one becomes voice of voiceless people. Last days I visited Adiala jail. Do you know what prisoner said to me when I went there. He said when you return we will have to suffer it. Government priorities are not for common men. The court raised this matter on the petition of a poor woman. This woman had no money to hire lawyer. Her son was beaten up mercilessly as he was not having Rs 5000. The visitors bring meal to jail. The jail staff eat half of meal.
Asad Umar told the court the legislative assembly framed the best law regarding human rights but no one saw it. This law makes HRC powerful. Under this law the human rights violations in armed forces can also be seen. Whatever case is sent by HRC its trial will take place in special court.
Secretary human rights said we have no officers.
The court remarked if secretary human rights has no staff then officers be provided on deputation. The trial of the officers who are found involved in violating human rights will be conducted in special courts of human rights.
The human rights representative told the court rehabilitation centers are not available for minor children. We have got children bailed out with ages below 11 years but we have no place for their stay.
The court remarked if there is no arrangements then they should be kept in Prime Minister or Chief minister house. Arrangements for keeping these children be made today.
The secretary human rights said we have one doctor for 4000 people then how matter will run.
The court remarked there is government of Asad Umar in Punjab .We see what change they bring in two days.
The court directed the secretary human rights to make public reports pertaining to Adial jail.
