Supreme Court suspends IHC's order of releasing prisoners

• The SC has also barred high courts and the provincial governments from passing any order regarding release of prisoners.

The Supreme Court (SC) suspended on Monday orders given by different high courts and district courts regarding the release of prisoners.

During a hearing today, Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed put on hold the release of prisoners from jails across Pakistan. He said questioned how can high courts take up suo motu action in these cases as they not allowed to do so.

The SC has also barred high courts and the provincial governments from passing any order regarding release of prisoners, local media reported. A notice has also been issued to all advocate generals and prosecutor general and National Accountability Bureau.

They have been summoned before the court on Wednesday. Last week, Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Athar Minallah had ordered the release of under-trial prisoners amid fear of coronavirus in the country.