ISLAMABAD: The Prison Reforms Committee, established by the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi, was denied access to former Prime Minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan during a recent visit to Adiala jail, Rawalpindi.
Incident Overview
- Committee Formation:
The committee, comprising Ahad Cheema and Khadija Shah, was tasked with assessing prisoner conditions and facilities in line with international standards like the Mandela Rules and Bangkok Rules. - Access Denied:
- Khadija Shah reported in a letter to the CJP that jail staff claimed Imran Khan was at a court trial. Despite repeated requests, the committee was not permitted to inspect his quarters.
- DIG Abdul Rauf Rana reportedly refused access, citing unspecified reasons.
Khadija Shah’s Remarks
- Shah expressed shock at being denied access, noting that as a former prisoner, she had witnessed unrestricted visits from committee members at Kot Lakhpat Jail.
- She emphasized that obtaining feedback from political prisoners like Imran Khan is vital for addressing their rights and incorporating their insights into the reform process.
Observations from the Jail Visit
- The committee toured several sections of Adiala jail, including:
- Women’s Barracks
- Hospital
- Mental Health Facilities
- Death Row Quarters
- Shah highlighted concerns about the “prepared and sterile environment” presented during the visit, which she claimed might not reflect the true state of the prison.
Legal Justifications Cited by Jail Authorities
- Rule 560 of Pakistan Prisons Rules 1978:
- The jail superintendent can refuse a visit if it is deemed against public interest or likely to disturb peace.
- Reasons for denial must be recorded in the order book.
- Sources indicated that denial of access was in line with these rules, particularly because Khadija Shah, a former prisoner herself, has no legal entitlement to meet another prisoner unless they are related.
Committee’s Reforms Goals
- The committee aims to align Pakistan’s prison conditions with global standards.
- Insights from political prisoners, like Imran Khan, are deemed critical for evaluating treatment and rights.
- Shah urged the CJP to intervene and ensure that jail authorities comply with his instructions for unrestricted committee access to all prisoners.
Jail Administration’s Response
- The administration refuted claims of obstruction, explaining that Imran Khan was unavailable due to a court appearance.
- Officials clarified that the Prisons Department operates neutrally and follows established rules, ensuring no mistreatment of political prisoners.
Conclusion
This incident underscores tensions between prison reform advocates and the existing jail administration over transparency and access. The committee’s findings will likely shape discussions on prisoner rights and political detainees, while the CJP’s intervention may determine how such committees operate in the future.
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