Pakistan Unveils National Prison Reform Plan to Reduce Overcrowding and Modernise Jails

Pakistan has taken a significant step toward transforming its prison system after all four provincial governments endorsed a unified roadmap aimed at improving prison conditions, reducing overcrowding, and strengthening rehabilitation for inmates.

The commitment came during the National Conference on Prison Reforms, organised by the Supreme Court under the National Judicial (Policy-Making) Committee (NJPMC) in Islamabad. The conference brought together senior judges, provincial chief ministers, prison officials, law enforcement representatives, and human rights stakeholders to develop a coordinated national strategy for prison reform.

A United Commitment from All Provinces

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s government was represented by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti signed the Islamabad Declaration on Prison Reforms, pledging to work together to improve correctional facilities across Pakistan.

The declaration recognises that prison reform is not only an administrative responsibility but also a constitutional obligation linked to justice, public safety, and the protection of human dignity.

Chief Justice Calls for Shared Responsibility

Addressing the conference, Chief Justice Yahya Afridi said prisons serve as a reflection of the country’s criminal justice system. He stressed that lasting reforms cannot be achieved by a single institution alone and require cooperation among the judiciary, provincial governments, law enforcement agencies, and prison administrations.

He noted that improving prison conditions should remain a national priority while ensuring that justice is delivered efficiently and fairly. The Chief Justice also emphasised that meaningful reforms must be rooted in respect for human dignity and constitutional values.

Focus on Overcrowding and Undertrial Prisoners

One of the biggest concerns highlighted during the conference was prison overcrowding. Officials acknowledged that a large proportion of inmates across Pakistan are undertrial prisoners who remain behind bars while their cases are still pending.

Under the new reform agenda, provincial governments committed to reducing unnecessary detention by expanding access to:

• Bail and legal aid
• Probation and parole
• Alternative sentencing options
• Diversion programmes for minor offences

Special attention will also be given to women, children, persons with disabilities, individuals with mental health conditions, and people imprisoned for low-level, poverty-related offences.

Better Facilities and Rehabilitation

The Islamabad Declaration also outlines plans to improve living conditions inside prisons through greater investment in infrastructure, sanitation, healthcare, nutrition, mental health services, and complaint redressal systems.

Authorities also agreed to expand rehabilitation programmes by introducing more educational opportunities, vocational training, skill development, psychosocial support, drug treatment services, and post-release assistance aimed at helping former inmates successfully reintegrate into society.

Provincial Leaders Share Their Perspectives

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz spoke about her personal experience of imprisonment, saying it gave her a deeper understanding of the state’s responsibility toward individuals in custody. She said prisons should represent society’s values and the effectiveness of the justice system rather than simply functioning as places of confinement.

She also highlighted improvements introduced in Punjab’s prisons, including enhanced facilities and emergency response measures inside prison cells.

Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah reiterated his government’s focus on rehabilitation and ensuring that financially disadvantaged inmates receive access to legal representation.

During the discussion, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi called for improvements at Adiala Jail, including better facilities for visitors and expanded communication options for prisoners with family members living abroad.

Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar clarified that the proposed reforms are intended to benefit thousands of ordinary inmates across Pakistan rather than any specific high-profile prisoners.

A Long-Term Reform Agenda

The declaration also commits provincial governments to reviewing outdated prison laws, improving coordination between police, prosecutors, prison departments, health authorities, and the judiciary, and regularly reporting progress through a national prison reform mechanism.

Officials believe that sustained cooperation between federal and provincial institutions will be essential for creating a correctional system that prioritises justice, rehabilitation, and public safety while meeting constitutional and human rights standards.

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Source:

Supreme Court of Pakistan (National Judicial Policy-Making Committee), Press Information Department (PID), Dawn Pakistan.