Pakistan: Pakistan’s Federal Constitutional Court on Monday issued notices to the Attorney General for Pakistan and other parties on petitions filed by three Adiala Jail inmates seeking treatment at private hospitals similar to facilities granted to PTI founder Imran Khan. A three-member FCC bench headed by Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan heard the petitions challenging an Islamabad High Court decision that rejected the prisoners’ requests.
Why Did the FCC Question Private Hospital Treatment?
Justice Aamir Farooq questioned why the inmates needed treatment at private hospitals and asked whether their medical needs could instead be addressed at the Polyclinic or Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences. Justice Ali Baqar Najafi also questioned the implementation of the jail manual, stressing the need to follow established prison rules.
What Are the Prisoners Seeking From the Court?
The three inmates—Muhammad Ilyas Khan, Mohammad Ismail Hussain and Owais Altaf—have argued that denying them facilities available to Imran Khan amounts to discriminatory treatment. Citing Article 25 of the Constitution, they are seeking equal medical facilities, including treatment at Shifa International Hospital, as well as permission to communicate through WhatsApp with people abroad. The FCC adjourned the hearing until Tuesday, saying the case involves interpretation of the law.