Adiala Jail Inmates Seek Private Care, Family Access After Imran Khan Ruling

Following the Supreme Court's recent directive for former Prime Minister Imran Khan to receive medical treatment at a private hospital, at least three inmates at Adiala jail have approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC). They are seeking similar relief, specifically requesting treatment at private medical facilities and greater access to their families. These petitions highlight the government's apprehension that the Supreme Court's decision in Khan's case could establish a precedent, potentially leading to a surge of similar applications from other prisoners.

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The petitions before the IHC vindicate the government’s concern that the SC order in Imran Khan’s case could set a precedent for other prisoners to seek similar relief.

The federal government had previously argued in a review petition before the Supreme Court that allowing a convict to be treated privately could disrupt the existing prison system and trigger a "floodgate" of applications. The issue is now before the IHC, where Justice Muhammad Asif has requested comments from the jail superintendent regarding the petitions filed by prisoners Ilyas Khan, Muhammad Ismail Khan, and Owais Altaf. The court has also issued notices to prison authorities and adjourned the proceedings until August 27.

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allowing a convict to receive treatment at a private hospital could disturb the existing prison system and trigger a “floodgate” of similar applications from other prisoners.

During the hearing, Barrister Akhtar Chheena, representing Ismail Khan, informed the court that his client suffers from hemophilia and has developed internal bleeding. Despite multiple hospital visits over the past two months, his condition has not improved. The counsel argued that treatment for this specific condition is currently only available at Shifa International Hospital. Citing the Supreme Court's ruling, he contended that if a disease cannot be treated at a government hospital, a prisoner could be transferred to a private facility, with their family covering the costs.

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The counsel requested the court to constitute a medical board to determine whether the required treatment was available at a government hospital.

In another plea, Owais Altaf's lawyer, Syed Jafar, argued that his client is suffering from fever and a heart ailment, and that receiving proper medical treatment is a fundamental right. He maintained that the necessary treatment is not available at government facilities and sought an order for Owais Altaf's transfer to Shifa International Hospital. Ismail Khan also filed a separate plea requesting permission to communicate with his brother in Dubai, asking the court to direct jail authorities to facilitate this communication.

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He questioned whether a prisoner should be denied access to a private facility if a necessary procedure, including a liver transplant, was not available at a government hospital.