The District and Sessions Court of Islamabad on Thursday rejected the post-arrest bail applications of four suspects accused of involvement in the illegal purchase and sale of human placenta.
The decision came after detailed arguments from both the prosecution and defense. Prosecutors told the court that more than 1,000 human placenta samples were recovered during the operation and requested that the bail pleas be dismissed. After reserving its verdict earlier in the day, the court announced its decision and rejected all four applications.
The case was heard by Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka.
During the hearing, defense lawyers argued that placenta is not classified as a human organ and therefore should not be treated in the same category as organs such as kidneys and eyes. They maintained that placenta has recognized medical uses and is used in different treatment procedures.
The defense further told the court that tissues obtained from placenta are sometimes used in medical procedures related to hair restoration. In response, Judge Majoka asked whether such tissues could also be used in hair transplant treatments.
The defense counsel replied that there are different medical methods for hair restoration and said that if a particular procedure was used, placenta-based tissues could have been involved. The lawyers continued to argue that placenta should not be considered a human organ under the relevant legal framework.
During the discussion, the defense also referred to the removal of other body parts during medical procedures, claiming that such material is often disposed of or buried by hospitals. The exchange led to a brief discussion between the court and the defense regarding medical waste management practices.
The prosecution opposed the bail requests and stated that more than 1,000 human placenta samples had been recovered during the raid. Prosecutors also informed the court that all accused were arrested from the location where the alleged activity was taking place.
According to the prosecution, reports from medical experts have already been submitted to the court as part of the investigation record. The prosecution argued that the available evidence linked the suspects to the case and requested the court to reject their post-arrest bail applications.
After hearing arguments from both sides and reviewing the record, Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka reserved the verdict and later announced the decision, dismissing the bail applications of all four accused.