RAWALPINDI: Women suspects were reportedly handcuffed during their transfer from Adiala Jail to court and back, with relatives and members of the District Bar Association strongly protesting the practice.
According to the report, the women remained handcuffed for around six to seven hours while being transported between Adiala Jail and the court.
The women said having both hands restrained caused significant difficulties while boarding and leaving the police van, using the washroom and adjusting their dupattas.
They also alleged that police personnel held them from behind while helping them board the van and grabbed their hands while assisting them as they got off.
Lawyers who protested the practice argued that handcuffing women suspects was unlawful and contrary to constitutional, ethical and humanitarian principles. They also pointed to legal provisions concerning the treatment of women in custody.
Senior lawyer Shan Zaib Khan reportedly said the order had been issued by the Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO), describing the decision as inappropriate.
The incident has prompted concerns among relatives and lawyers over the treatment of women suspects during transportation between jail and court.