SC orders formation of medical board to review death row convict Imdad Ali’s mental health

Imdad Ali’s family is hoping for a miracle as a new ray of light has been shown in the case. In the latest development, the Supreme Court has ordered the formation of a medical board to review Imdad Ali’s mental health and make recommendations on his current state.

According to the details provided, the medical board is to be headed by Major General Salim Jehangir and it will have several experts on its panel. The board is to submit an examination report within the next two weeks.

Imdad Ali is around 50-years-old and he has been sentenced to death for the murder of a religious teacher back in 2002. Although his sentence would have been carried out by now, it is being delayed due to his counsel’s stance that he is suffering from schizophrenia and he is unfit to be executed.

Ali’s lawyers maintain that since he has no concept of crime and punishment, he should not be punished by death. During a court hearing the lawyers also said that if Ali is executed, the court will be violating Pakistan’s obligations under a United Nations treaty, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Earlier in this week, the SC accepted a plea for formation of a medical board to asses Ali’s mental health. The judge ordered the advocate general Punjab to provide the names of five mental health specialists who would review Ali’s mental state.

Justice Ijazul Hassan said, “If the board confirms that Imdad’s Ali’s mental health is weak, a suitable decision will be made.”

Justice Ameer Hani maintained, “The review will not end his punishment. He will be brought to the gallows when his health improves.”

The case was then adjourned till the next hearing.

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Posted by fatimaarshad on Nov 18 2016. Filed under Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.