Khadija Shah, a member of the sub-committee on prison reforms formed by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, has written to Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, stating that despite the Supreme Court’s directive, the administration of Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi did not grant access to Imran Khan. She emphasized that without meeting the former Prime Minister, she cannot provide her opinion on prison recommendations in Punjab.
Key Details and Observations
During a recent visit to Adiala Jail, the sub-committee, accompanied by the Superintendent and other staff members, observed that the prison had undergone special cleaning in anticipation of their visit. The tour included the prison hospital, women’s barracks, and sections for inmates with mental health issues and drug use. The committee also met with death row inmates.
International Standards and Prison Reform Goals
The visit aimed to evaluate prison conditions according to internationally recognized standards, specifically the Mandela Rules and the Bangkok Report. These standards are crucial in ensuring the humane treatment of prisoners and aligning prison conditions with global best practices.
Political Prisoners and Access Denial
Khadija Shah, who herself was imprisoned in connection with the May 9 cases, pointed out that Adiala Jail has housed many political prisoners over the past two years, including Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). She stressed the importance of obtaining Khan’s perspective as a political prisoner to provide comprehensive recommendations on prison reforms in Punjab.
Despite the Supreme Court’s explicit instructions for the sub-committee to have full access to all areas of the jail and to move freely without staff supervision, the administration denied their request to visit Khan’s barrack. Even after appealing to the DIG Prisons, the committee was still not granted access.
Urgent Appeal to the Chief Justice
In her letter, Khadija Shah requested the Chief Justice to issue orders for another visit to Adiala Jail and to ensure that the sub-committee is granted access to Imran Khan. She highlighted that without his input, the prison reforms committee cannot present well-informed recommendations to the Supreme Court.
Context: Formation of the Sub-Committee and Inclusion of Khadija Shah
Last month, the Chief Justice of Pakistan formed a sub-committee to inspect prisons in Punjab and develop recommendations for reforms. Khadija Shah, a renowned fashion designer, was included in this committee due to her firsthand experience of imprisonment following the violent events of May 9, 2023.
Background on Khadija Shah
Khadija Shah, the daughter of former Finance Minister Salman Shah, surrendered to Lahore police on May 23 after the May 9 riots. She spent several months in jail and attended court hearings regularly. She was eventually released on bail by the Quetta Anti-Terrorism Court in December 2023.
Impact of May 9 Protests on Khadija Shah and Nation
The May 9 protests led to the arrest of thousands of PTI workers and supporters across Pakistan. Many leaders distanced themselves from the party following the events. Khadija Shah was named in an FIR filed by Sarwar Road police under terrorism and other charges.
Conclusion: Ensuring Fair Prison Reforms
Khadija Shah’s appeal underscores the critical need for transparency and access in prison reform efforts. By securing access to key political prisoners like Imran Khan, the sub-committee can ensure that its recommendations are comprehensive and address the needs of all inmates, paving the way for meaningful reforms in Punjab’s prison system.
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