October 30, 2005	Sunday	Ramzan 25, 1426

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RAWALPINDI, Oct 29: Adiala Jail has been “sealed” and a high-powered committee formed by IG Prisons Punjab to search the jail to ascertain allegations levelled by some prisoners that narcotics were supplied inside the prison with the connivance of jail officials, police sources said.

The jail currently housing about 5,000 prisoners — more than double of its capacity — was sealed on Friday night in the wake of chief justice of Pakistan (CJP)’s 15-day deadline given to the jail authorities to carry out reforms in the jail and transfer those officials who had been posted there since long.

The CJP’s directions came one week after an Adiala Jail prisoner, Imran Saleem, filed a petition with the apex court, alleging that deputy superintendent jail Mr Ayub was involved in corruption and narcotics were being supplied inside the jail by some people, the source said.

Acting on the petition, the CJP summoned Inspector General of Prison Punjab Capt (retired) Sarfraz Mufti, Adiala Jail Superintendent Faisal Nisar Chaudhry, deputy superintendent Malik Ayub and the petitioner.

The source said the court directed the authorities concerned to transfer the deputy superintendent to Gujrat and also gave a 15-day deadline to carry out reforms in the jail.

When contacted, Adiala Jail duty officer Malik Ferooz confirmed that Mr Ayub had been transferred to Gujrat. However, he gave no reason. The source said the Adiala Jail authorities were also directed to reshuffle those officials who had been posted at the prison for a long time, and submit a report to the court.

Following the court orders, the IG Prisons formed a four- member committee, comprising DIG Jail Rawalpindi Range, DIG Jail Multan Range, DIG jail Gujranwala and superintendent jail Jhang. The committee was given the task to search the jail and also transfer the prisoners involved in drug cases to other jails.

The source said about six police reserve teams, each comprising 30 personnel, had been called from other districts to provide protection to the committee members during the search operation.

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