Three Adiala Jail Inmates Seek Hospital Transfer and Family Contact After Imran Khan’s Medical Order
ISLAMABAD: Three prisoners of Adiala Jail have moved the Islamabad High Court seeking the same medical and communication rights granted to former Prime Minister Imran Khan following the court’s recent decision on his transfer to a private hospital.
Justice Muhammad Asif heard petitions filed by Elias Khan, Muhammad Ismail Khan and Owais Altaf on Monday. The court issued notices to the Superintendent of Adiala Jail and adjourned the hearing till August 27.
Counsel for petitioner Elias Khan told the court that his client suffers from hemophilia, a condition which can currently only be treated at Shifa Hospital in Pakistan. The lawyer argued that when proper treatment is not available in a government hospital, a prisoner can be transferred to a private hospital at the expense of his family.
He cited a Supreme Court judgment which clarified that medical expenses can be borne by the family and requested the court to constitute a medical board in light of that decision. Owais Altaf appeared through his lawyer via video link.
His counsel said the prisoner is suffering from fever and heart disease and requested that he be shifted to Shifa Hospital, arguing that appropriate medical treatment is a basic right of every prisoner.
The third petitioner, Muhammad Ismail Khan, has been in Adiala Jail for nine years. His lawyer told the court that Ismail’s brother lives in Dubai and there has been no contact for years. The counsel requested permission for the prisoner to speak to his brother through a WhatsApp call.
The petitions seek similar facilities that were recently allowed to Imran Khan, including treatment at private hospitals and contact with family members. The court has sought a response from the Adiala Jail superintendent and will resume hearing on August 27.
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