The Islamabad High Court (IHC) issued a directive to the administration of Adiala Jail to ensure that former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his spouse, Bushra Bibi, are provided with facilities according to their entitlements.
Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Aamer Farooq has issued a detailed order regarding a petition seeking the provision of facilities and the protection of fundamental rights. The petition was filed by Bushra Bibi prior to her conviction in the Toshakhana and Iddat cases.
Chief Justice Aamer Farooq instructed the government to ensure the safety and well-being of the former Prime Minister and his spouse, emphasizing the necessity to protect their life and health.
In his directive, Justice Aamer Farooq laid out specific guidelines to safeguard the fundamental rights of prisoners. He noted that the relief sought in the petition was not exclusive to Mr. Imran Khan, highlighting that his spouse, being an inmate, is also entitled to the available facilities in prison.
Justice Farooq underscored that prisoners are entitled to certain rights and should not be subjected to inhuman treatment. He reiterated that the primary objective of sentencing is to facilitate the physical and mental rehabilitation of convicts.
The chief justice referred to the Islamabad High Court’s previous ruling in the case of Khalid Hussain versus the Ministry of Human Rights, which established guidelines for the treatment of prisoners. He emphasized that the federal government is obligated to implement these guidelines across all prisons.
Despite the clear directives, the court observed that the federal government has not taken necessary steps to implement the guidelines effectively. This lack of action was noted as a concern in the detailed order.
Justice Aamer Farooq’s order serves as a crucial reminder of the government’s duty to uphold the fundamental rights of all prisoners. The detailed guidelines and the emphasis on humane treatment underscore the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring justice and fair treatment for all, including high-profile individuals like the former Prime Minister and his spouse.
