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Allegations of Shahbaz Gill’s torture cannot be ignored, IHC rules

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  • “Constitution and courts are guardians of prisoners’ rights,” says IHC.
  • Orders interior ministry to conduct inquiry on allegations of torture on Gill.
  • Says “SSP rank official should ensure that no violence is inflicted on Gill during physical remand”.

The allegations of torture on senior PTI leader Shahbaz Gill “cannot be ignored”, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) ruled on Wednesday, in the verdict issued on his plea against extension in his physical remand.

“The Constitution and the courts are the guardians of prisoners’ rights and protectors against torture,” the IHC stated in a 21-page verdict.

The verdict also states: “Torture of an accused person cannot be allowed under the guise of gathering evidence.”

The verdict, authored by IHC acting chief justice, Justice Aamir Farooq, directed the Ministry of Interior to conduct an inquiry on the allegations and task a retired high court judge to appoint an inquiry officer.

The IHC disposed of the plea against the extension in Gill’s physical remand to the police, directing that an officer of the rank of senior superintendent of police should supervise and ensure that no violence is inflicted on Gill during physical remand.

The verdict stated that the IG Police denied allegations of any torture inflicted on Gill but when he arrived at Adiala Jail on August 12, the medical officer noted in the register that he had several wounds and marks on his body.

As per the Rule 20 of the Prison Code Rules, a prisoner with injuries on his body should be examined immediately by the medical officer when he is admitted into prison from police custody.

“If the examination reveals unexplained injuries not already recorded in the medico legal report accompanying the prisoner, a report shall at once be made to the Sessions Judge and officer Incharge of the prosecution and Superintendent police,” the rules state.

The judgment said that no action was taken in this regard as neither the sessions judge or superintendent of police or office of advocate general, were informed about Gill’s condition.

Later, when a medical board was formed for the medical examination of Gill, on August 13 and 15, the prosecution said that Gill refused to have himself examined.

Moreover, a report on the medical examination performed on August 17 clearly stated that Gill needs monitoring and assessment but nothing about physical torture.

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26th Constitutional Amendment: Naqvi Congratulates the Nation on the Amendment’s Approval

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The ratification of the 26th Constitutional Amendment bill has been hailed as a success for the people of Pakistan by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who has congratulated the entire country.

The Interior Minister said in a statement that the triumph of the Pakistani people is a tribute to Allah.

In particular, he praised Allied Party leaders and JUI(F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman for their support, and he declared that Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s historic and constructive role would never be forgotten.

Mohsin Naqvi commended the work of Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

Their unrelenting efforts have paid off, he said. He underlined that the 26th Constitutional Amendment was the result of a concerted and unrelenting effort by all leaders.

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Barrister Salman Safdar informed the court that it had been 12 days since the last hearing on Bushra’s bail application.

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Barrister Salman Safdar informed the court that it had been 12 days since the last hearing on Bushra’s bail application.

Justice Aurangzeb stated, “I experienced a high fever during my last appearance in court on October 9.”

“The recovery process was prolonged,” he noted.

Safdar said that the value of the gifts was diminished by a private purchaser, who he claimed had turned approver against Bushra Bibi.

Safdar stated that the customs authorities then assessed the worth of the commodities and found no irregularities.

Justice Aurangzeb queried, “Was it the decision of the then-executive (Imran Khan) to accept the gift after remitting 50% of the total value?”

The FIA prosecutor stated that no precedent exists for accepting gifts at 50% of their worth.

“What are your instructions on the bail application of Bushra Bibi?” Justice Aurangzed conducted a further inquiry.

“We will contest it,” stated the FIA prosecutor.

The court subsequently postponed the hearing until October 23.

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The President has signed the 26th constitutional amendment, and a notification has been issued.

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On Monday, the 26th amendment was ratified by President Asif Ali Zardari, bringing the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan up to date.

Following days of negotiations between the opposition and the Treasury, the amendment was finally approved by the National Assembly and the Senate on Sunday night.

The prime minister signed the recommendation to be forwarded to the president of Pakistan for confirmation following the amendment’s approval by both chambers of the legislature.

Following its implementation, the amendment’s notification was also released.

Recall that a legislative committee will select Pakistan’s top justice following the amendment’s implementation.

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