The family and legal team of rights lawyers Imaan and Hadi have raised concerns over the medical facilities available at Adiala jail, particularly after Imaan developed several health problems during her incarceration.
The couple were sentenced by an Islamabad sessions court on January 24 to a combined 17 years in prison on multiple charges under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca). They challenged their convictions before the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on February 7.
In a statement issued on Monday, the family and legal team said they were satisfied with their weekly meetings with the couple but expressed concern over Imaan’s deteriorating health over the past three weeks.
According to the statement, Imaan initially suffered heavy bleeding from her gums but could not be examined by a dentist because no dental specialist was available at the jail. The family said medication was arranged after consultation with their dentist, but alleged that some of the medicines did not reach her.
The statement said Imaan later developed stomach problems and received inadequate medical attention. It also alleged that she was administered Zedron to control nausea and vomiting, despite the medicine carrying a warning against its use by women of childbearing age.
Over the past week, the family said Imaan had developed a serious chest infection. A blood test reportedly showed an elevated white blood cell count, indicating an infection, but the jail authorities had yet to arrange a chest X-ray to determine its cause and rule out serious conditions, including tuberculosis.
The family and legal team also expressed concern over the alleged lack of isolation facilities for prisoners diagnosed with infectious diseases in the women’s section of Adiala jail. They claimed such inmates were being housed alongside other prisoners and children.
Describing the situation as a “health crisis”, they said the state was responsible for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of prisoners and called for immediate improvements in medical care at the facility.
They urged jail authorities and the government to arrange Imaan’s chest X-ray without further delay and ensure access to adequate medical and dental facilities for all women prisoners.
The family also called for detainees suffering from infectious diseases to be isolated or quarantined in a dignified manner, while seeking access to specialist doctors and necessary medicines for all prisoners.
They further urged the government not to oppose the couple’s applications seeking suspension of their sentences. The applications are scheduled to be heard by the IHC on September 8, 2026.
