PESHAWAR: Peshawar High Court Chief Justice Musarrat Hilali on Thursday asked the deputy commissioner and district police officer of Hangu to ensure the early operationalisation of the newly-constructed district jail saying the sub-jail was overcrowded and lacked basic facilities.

She also ordered the provision of necessary medical services to the people kept in the sub-jail.

The chief justice issued the orders during a surprise visit to the jail, judicial lock-ups and district courts in Hangu.

Accompanied by the district and sessions judge, senior civil judge (admin) and district police officer, she went to all barracks and asked prisoners about their issues.

Some inmates complained they continued to be behind bars despite the grant of bail over failure to produce surety bonds.

Court Chief Justice Musarrat Hilali directed judicial officers to ensure early completion of their trial.

She also ordered their surprise visits to the judicial lockup for the early disposal of the cases of petty nature.

The chief justice said that judicial officers should fast-track the cases of under-trial prisoners and families.

She later presided over a meeting of the judicial officers.

The sessions judge briefed her about the cases pending with and disposed of by the district judiciary.

Court Chief Justice Musarrat Hilali appreciated the performance of the district judiciary and asked judicial officers to pay surprise visits to the police stations to ensure innocent people aren’t illegally detained and tortured there.

She directed them to focus on the cases of under-trial prisoners and family matters for speedy disposal.

Published in Dawn, June 9th, 2023