HRCP concerned at allegations about Sana’s treatment

LAHORE: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) is deeply concerned over grave allegations it has received regarding senior PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah’s treatment in detention.

HRCP was approached by his wife, Nabila Sanaullah, who claims that her husband, a diabetic and blood pressure patient, shows visible signs of ill health.

After an initial meeting the day he was arrested, Ms Sanaullah says she was not allowed to see him until three days later. She found that his voice was very low, his hands were trembling and he could not walk without support. He told his wife he had not been given anything to eat for 48 hours following his arrival at the District Jail in Lahore. He added that he had been kept in solitary confinement in a small cell and made to sleep on a mat on the floor. According to his wife, he was told by the jail authorities that no family member had been to see him.

Ms Sanaullah alleged that the food and other necessities she tried to deliver to her husband in jail did not reach him. She believes that the jail authorities are under instructions to mistreat her husband as a means of demoralising him, and she now fears for his wellbeing. These are serious charges and need to be investigated swiftly and independently.