Islamabad: The Adiala Jail superintendent has denied claims that former first lady Bushra Bibi is being held in solitary confinement or subjected to discriminatory treatment, according to a report submitted to the Islamabad High Court.
The report, submitted in response to a petition filed by Bushra Bibi’s daughter, stated that the practice of solitary confinement has largely been abolished in prisons and has not been awarded by courts for a considerable period.
It said no prisoner, including Bushra Bibi, was being kept in solitary confinement at Adiala Jail and that she was serving her sentence in accordance with the law.
The report further stated that Bushra Bibi was not receiving any discriminatory or unequal treatment. However, considering her status as the spouse of a former prime minister, additional security arrangements had been made to ensure her safety, and ordinary female inmates were not allowed access to her accommodation.
According to the report, Bushra Bibi has access to a separate accommodation comprising a spacious room, an independent courtyard and a separate kitchen, and is free to move within the designated premises throughout the day. She remains inside her room only during designated lock-up hours at night in accordance with prison rules.
The report added that female prison officers and staff regularly attend to her daily needs, while a female medical officer examines her at least twice daily, monitors her blood pressure and other vital signs, and inspects her meals.
It also stated that Bushra Bibi has access to natural light and fresh air and is allowed to meet her husband every Tuesday in accordance with the jail manual.
The jail superintendent maintained that there was no element of solitary confinement in Bushra Bibi’s detention and described the allegations as baseless, speculative and without factual foundation, requesting the court to dismiss the petition.