More than three dozen prisoners and five wardens were injured in a clash between prisoners and jail police in Central Jail, Faisalabad, that ensued a protest by prisoners against the alleged torture on them by jail officials. Police and prison's officials fired tear gas and baton-charged the protesting prisoners, who resorted to damaging and burning property of the Jail against the alleged torture and violation of their basic rights by the prison's officials.
Till evening, negotiations were underway between the prisoners and Punjab Jail Minister, Chaudhry Abdul Ghafoor. The prisoners were demanding end to the torture and violation of their rights in the Jail. They demanded of the Chief Justice, Lahore High Court (LHC) to order judicial probe into the alleged torture on them.
As per details, the trouble started when newly appointed Superintendent Jail, Tariq Babar Warriach, after taking over charge, reportedly ordered to beat half dozen prisoners in a bid to create his fear among them. Resultantly, the prisoners attacked the jail staff, who were torturing them, and took over control of all the barracks of the prison.
Police and prison staff fired bullets and tear gas shells to disperse the prisoners. When the situation got worse, Punjab Prison Minister, Chaudhry Abdul Ghafoor and DIG Prisons, Mubashir Malik, rushed to the prison and started negotiation with them. They assured them that their genuine grievances would be redressed.
The inmates demanded judicial inquiry into the incident through a judge of the LHC. The prisoners returned to their barracks on the assurance of the Minister. SSP Operation Sarfraz Falki, when contacted, said that three wardens and 15 prisoners were injured in the clash.
The jail officials said that the clash started after an inquiry regarding recovery of five mobiles from the inmates. As many as 11 prisoners were shifted to hospital for medical treatment. Condition of three of the prisoners is stated to be critical. Following the clash, heavy police contingents cordoned off the Jail.