Adiala jail transfers Shahbaz Gill to Islamabad Police

RAWALPINDI: Adiala jail authorities on Wednesday handed over the custody of  PTI leader Shahbaz Gill to Islamabad Police, Geo News reported.

The decision was made after an hours-long dispute between the Islamabad and Rawalpindi polices over Gill's custody outside the jail premises.

Punjab Police personnel returned from the jail, while preparations to shift Gill from Adiala jail to the federal capital were underway. It was also reported that Gill will first be taken to PIMS for his medical check-up.

Following court orders, the PTI leader's custody was given to Islamabad Police.

Sources earlier shared that a document titled ‘Emergency Shifting' — available with Geo News — stated that after Gill's check-up, doctors of the Adiala jail and relevant authorities were directed to shift the PTI leader to DHQ Hospital Rawalpindi.

HRCP concerned for Gill

Following the court's decisions to send Gill to physical remand, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has also expressed concern.

“Any allegations that he was mistreated while on remand should also be investigated fairly and transparently,” the commission wrote on Twitter.

Fawad alerts workers

Speaking about Gill being handed over to Islamabad Police, former information minister Fawad Chaudhry said that getting a certificate from the board of their choice is not according to the laws. He termed the development around Gill’s custody as “abduction”.

Taking to Twitter Chaudhry wrote, “Pakistan is currently facing the worst fascism, workers should be prepared for all kinds of situations.”

On the other hand, the PTI shared a video of Gill being transferred to PIMS in an ambulance with an oxygen mask on its official Twitter account.

“Pakistan is undergoing the worst kind of fascism,” the video’s caption read.

Dispute between Islamabad and Punjab police

Earlier, Islamabad and Punjab police came head-to-head over Gill’s physical remand following his medical check-up.

Rawalpindi Police, elite force, and Islamabad Police — with additional personnel — were both present outside Adiala Jail to claim Gill’s custody.

Rawalpindi police were insisting on shifting Gill to District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ) in Rawalpindi.

Jail authorities had said that check-ups of an Adiala Jail prisoner will be done in DHQ.

“As per law, Islamabad’s medical team cannot conduct check-ups of an Adiala jail prisoner,” jail authorities informed.

Geo News reported that a senior superintendent of police (SSP) in Islamabad — accompanied by one deputy superintendent of police, two station house officers, and police personnel — had met the Adiala Jail authorities to resolve the matter.

“Not handing over the accused would be a violation of court orders and law,” the officer said warning jail authorities.

Islamabad Police also rubbished allegations of torture on Gill during his physical remand. Police have asserted that the accused has not spoken about being tortured during his appearance in court.

Gill's proper medical check-up was conducted and no signs of torture were found, Islamabad Police shared, adding that his medical reports were thoroughly reviewed by the court and distinguished judges.

Medical officers from the jail shared that Gill is having trouble breathing. In case of emergency, authorities have been asked to shift him to the hospital.

Meanwhile, sources said that Khan had ordered Gill to create an emergency-like situation so that he could be transferred to the hospital. 

PTI to take legal action on Gill's matter

“PTI is preparing to take legal action regarding Shehbaz Gill’s issue,” says PTI’s central information secretary Farrukh Habib.

Habib says that Khan ordering additional chief secretary and Inspector General Punjab are merely rumours.

“We do not believe in illegal activities,” he said.

Habib also reacted to allegations levelled by information minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and claimed that she has been tasked to spread misleading propaganda.

“She should first comment on her party leaders who are currently summoned by the courts,” he said, adding that it is Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his son Hamza Shahbaz who have been violating the court orders.

Recalling that both the PML-N leaders were “imposed” on the country the day of their indictment, he questioned: “Was this observance of the law?”

He went on to accuse of them violating laws by mentioning that PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif lied to leave the country.

“Khan has never encouraged violation of laws,” the PTI leader said, adding that it is their plan to force Gill to give a statement against Khan by torturing him.

Khan pressurising Punjab's bureaucracy

Speaking with Geo News, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said that PTI is using all kinds of tactics to save Gill from being investigated.

“Imran Khan has undue pressure on Punjab’s bureaucracy,” the minister said, adding that the PTI chief has disregarded laws and has blatantly violated court orders.