The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has reserved its verdict on petitions filed by three prisoners at Adiala Jail seeking access to private medical treatment and permission to communicate with family members abroad.
Justice Muhammad Asif heard the petitions filed by Owais Altaf, Ilyas Khan and Muhammad Ismail. The prisoners argued that the medical facilities available through government hospitals were insufficient for their conditions and sought permission to receive treatment at private hospitals. They also requested permission to speak with relatives through WhatsApp or telephone calls.
The petitions gained significance following a Supreme Court order concerning former prime minister Imran Khan’s medical treatment at a private hospital. The prisoners’ lawyers argued that the relief granted to Khan should not be restricted to one individual and that ordinary prisoners were equally entitled to protection of their fundamental rights.
During the hearing, the court questioned whether authorities could deny specialized medical treatment to prisoners suffering from serious illnesses. Justice Muhammad Asif emphasized that prisoners’ health and basic rights could not be disregarded simply because they were incarcerated.
One petitioner was reportedly suffering from a serious bleeding disorder, while another, Muhammad Ismail, is an undertrial prisoner with a heart condition. Their counsel maintained that some required treatments were not adequately available through government facilities and requested transfer to a private hospital.
Government representatives opposed the petitions, maintaining that prisoners could receive treatment through existing state-run medical facilities. Authorities also argued that telephone communication with relatives abroad was subject to applicable prison rules.
The court raised questions about whether prisoners without family members in Pakistan should be denied communication with relatives overseas.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the IHC reserved its verdict. The decision is expected to determine whether the requested facilities can be extended to other prisoners on grounds of equal treatment and fundamental rights.