IHC directs authorities to shift Imran to Adiala Jail

ISLAMABAD:

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) directed the additional attorney general on Monday to transfer Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan to the Adiala jail from Attock jail.

The former prime minister’s counsel Sher Afzal Marwat requested for his client to be transferred as the court heart the matter of his transfer. The hearing was presided over by IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq.

The CJ inquired why the PTI leader was kept in Attock jail when all under-trial prisoners from Islamabad are kept in Adiala jail.

The status of his sentence has changed now, remarked the judge. The original order to keep him in Adiala jail was during the Toshakhana case. “Now, if you send him to a Rahim Yar Khan jail tomorrow, will you conduct a trial there?” he inquired.

Read Imran’s incarceration ‘is not panacea for all ills’

Upon this, the additional attorney general told the court that the court order for the PTI chairman’s arrest in the cypher case was from the Attock Jail. The judge stated that it was because Imran was in Attock jail at the time, hence the judge passed the order.

However, according to the law, all under-trial prisoners of Islamabad should be in Adiala jail, he stated and directed the authorities to transfer him.

During the hearing, Marwat requested for his client to be provided with an exercise machine in the jail since he’s a sportsman.

The IHC CJ responded that the jail no longer has A, B and C classes but has shifted to an ordinary and better class system. He deserves the better class in jail and should get what he is entitled to as per the rules of the jail, remarked the judge. “His rights should not be compromised”.

The lawyer further prayed to the court to issue a written order for Imran’s jail transfer. To this, CJ Farooq assured that efforts to issue a written order will be made today.

Last month, on August 7, the PTI had moved the IHC seeking the transfer of the former prime minister from Attock district prison to Adiala Jail.

Read more IHC issues notices on Imran’s bail plea

In a petition, the lawyer requested the court to transfer the deposed premier to Adiala Jail where A-class facilities were available, adding that his family, lawyers and Dr Sultan should be allowed to meet him.

He maintained that meeting his lawyers, legal team and family is the fundamental right of the party chairman.

Earlier, the IHC had reserved its decision on the transfer request of the former prime minister, but had listed the case again for a re-hearing.

The court had reserved its verdict a few days ago after the completion of arguments. It was today scheduled for a hearing for further clarification of certain legal points.