IHC sets up implementation body on jail reforms across country

ISLAMABAD: The Chief Justice of Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday has stated that the wretched condition of prisoners held in various prisons across the country is “a classic example of a failure of rule of law.”

In the written order issued on Monday, IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah expressed deep concerns about the presence of fatally sick prisoners.

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“It is disturbing that a significant number of prisoners suffer from deadly diseases such as Aids, tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis,” the court stated.

Federal Human Rights Minister Dr. Shireen Mazari submitted a report before Justice Minallah on Saturday outlining the condition of prisoners in jails throughout the country.

The report said, “There are currently almost 2,100 physically ill detainees among the total prison population, about 2,400 prisoners suffering from infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis and tuberculosis and about 600 prisoners suffering from mental illnesses.”

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Chief Justice Islamabad high court, Justice Athar Minallah stated that it was the federal government’s duty to ensure the implementation of State of Pakistan obligations under the ratified conventions.