ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday disposed of a petition seeking protection for under-trial prisoners during transportation between Adiala jail and trial courts.

On June 12, the IHC passed an order to evolve standard operating procedures (SOP) to protect under-trial prisoners. At a subsequent meeting of the district judiciary, lawyers and police, it was decided that prisoners would be handcuffed separately to keep distance between them.

The district administration said before the court that specific timings may be fixed for the production of suspects for remand in order to prevent crowding in courts. Precautions have also been taken for the temporary confinement of under-trial prisoners in judicial lock-up including the provision of masks and hand sanitisers for use by under-trial prisoners.

Islamabad Bar Council member Haroon Rashid expressed satisfaction with these measures to keep under-trial prisoners and the police officials who accompany them, as well the courts and lawyers who appear in their cases, safe.

IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah subsequently disposed of the petition.

Published in Dawn, June 25th, 2020