As a precautionary measure against the novel coronavirus, the Islamabad High Court has ordered the issuance of bail for 408 prisoners at the Adiala Jail facing trail in minor offences.

The decision was taken by Chief Justice Athar Minallah.

“Countries across the globe are doing this to protect people from the coronavirus outbreak,” he said. “Our jails are overcrowded and social distancing cannot be implemented in them,” said the chief justice said.

Justice Minallah said that it would free all prisoners who aren’t accused of violent crimes.

Despite this, Islamabad DC Hamza Shafqaat announced on Tuesday that 307 prisoners will be released at the Adiala Jail.

Islamabad’s advocate-general added that this bail would pose a danger to society for those accused of drug related crimes.

A committee of police, the drugs ministry and the court was formed. Such prisoners would be released only if the committee added that they are not going to abscond after bail.