No special treatment for Waseem Akhtar in jail: IG Prisons

KARACHI: There will be no difference in the treatment of Waseem Akhtar in prison despite the fact he is now the mayor of Karachi, IG Prison Nusrat Mangan said on Tuesday.

Following Waseem Akhtar’s oath-taking ceremony earlier today, during which he was handed the key to the city, IG Prison Nusrat Mangan said while talking to the media that the new mayor will remain Class B inmate at Karachi Central Jail despite his latest designation.

"It makes no difference to us that Waseem Akhtar is now the mayor of Karachi," he said.

Waseem Akhtar has been provided with a single bed in prison, IG Prison said. He had also been given a table and chair as Class B inmate before he was sworn in as mayor of Karachi.  

Nusrat Mangan said that a helper has also been provided to Waseem Akhtar as per the prison manual. He would also be allowed to request food of his choice or have food brought in from his house, just like before.

IG Prison Nusrat Mangan said that the prison is obliged to follow court orders. “We will do whatever the court orders,” he added.

Waseem Akhtar was sworn in as the mayor of Karachi on Tuesday at the Gulshan-e-Jinnah (polo ground) along with Deputy Mayor Arshad Vohra. 

Akhtar was brought in for the swearing-in ceremony from the Karachi Central Jail, where he is being held under remand.