Adiala jailer refutes claims of hepatitis deaths, terms allegations baseless

RAWALPINDI: Adiala Jail Superintendent Abdul Ghafoor Anjum has categorically denied recent claims circulating on social media regarding an alleged outbreak of hepatitis and related inmate deaths within the prison. He confirmed that no prisoner is currently infected with hepatitis, nor has any inmate or detainee died from hepatitis or any other infectious disease over the past year.

In an official statement, Anjum rejected the tweet posted by Qasim Khan, son of the PTI founder chairman, labelling it as “fabricated” and “reflective of an immature mindset”. The tweet claimed that several prisoners had died due to hepatitis, sparking concerns for the health of former PTI chairman currently incarcerated at Adiala.

“The jail administration is fully committed to the safety, health and well-being of all inmates,” Anjum stated. “Every new and remand prisoner is subjected to routine medical screening for hepatitis A, B, C, HIV/AIDS, and other contagious diseases. Any infected individual is immediately isolated and provided with full medical treatment. If released during treatment, the patient is supplied with the necessary medication.” Anjum stated that a complete medical and psychological profile is maintained for all prisoners. Adiala jail operates a well-equipped 24/7 hospital staffed by six male and two female doctors. In case of serious medical emergencies, inmates are transferred to major public hospitals, including DHQ, Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Holy Family Hospital or PIMS.

“No inmate has died from hepatitis inside the jail in the past year,” he asserted. “A few inmates have passed away while undergoing treatment at external hospitals, but those deaths were unrelated to any outbreak within the jail.” The superintendent further condemned attempts to politicise the issue, stating, “The rumours being spread on social media are entirely baseless and intended only to sensationalise. The former PTI chairman is receiving more privileges than any other prisoner, and no discrimination is being carried out against him.”

He concluded by reaffirming the jail administration’s unwavering commitment to its legal and ethical responsibilities toward all inmates.