IHC asks AG to explain ban on political discussion inside jail

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the advocate general of Islamabad to assist it on the point that if a person outside the jail is not barred from political discussion, then why there a such a restriction inside the jail.

The court inquired the advocate general to explain why these rights will be denied to prisoners.

Amicus curiae Zainab Janjua Advocate said it cannot be said that the prisoner does not have political rights because he can vote in elections.

Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan heard a petition against Section 265 of the Prison Rules regarding the ban on political speech and discussion by prisoners.

Petitioner Sher Afzal Marwat Advocate, Advocate General of Islamabad Ayaz Shaukat and Amicus Curiae Zainab Janjua appeared before the court.

Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan inquired the law officer when there was no restriction on persons outside the prison, why there was a restriction inside the prison on political discussion. The law officer directed to furnish relevant superior court rulings in this regard.

Amicus Curiae Zainab Janjua said that we cannot say that a prisoner does not have political rights because he can vote. The next hearing of the case will be held on April 26.