Pakistan’s prisons house 102,026 inmates in facilities designed for 65,811 persons

Islamabad:Pakistan’s prisons house 102,026 inmates in facilities designed for just 65,811, operating at a staggering 152.9% capacity. In some cases, overcrowding exceeds 300%, as seen in Karachi’s Central Prison. The statistics were revealed in the Prison Data Report 2024, a collaborative effort by the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), the National Academy of Prison Administration (NAPA), and Justice Project Pakistan (JPP).

The report offers an unprecedented, data-driven analysis of the nation’s prison system. The report highlights critical challenges, including overcrowding, prolonged pre-trial detention, and the systemic neglect of vulnerable populations such as women and juveniles. Key findings from the report show that a shocking 73.41per cent of prisoners are under trial, highlighting inefficiencies in the justice system and delays in judicial processes. It says that women and juveniles face disproportionate challenges, with only four prisons designated for women and 85.1 per cent of juveniles still awaiting trial. It further shows that over 23 per cent of inmates are imprisoned for drug-related offenses, underscoring the need for rehabilitation programs over punitive measures.

The report provides a critical resource for policymakers, stakeholders, and the public. The findings aim to spark meaningful dialogue and action toward building a more just and effective prison system in Pakistan. It underscores the urgent need to align Pakistan’s prison system with international standards such as the Mandela Rules and the Bangkok Rules. It calls for alternative sentencing measures, including probation and community service, to reduce overcrowding and address the root causes of crime. Chairperson NCHR Rabiya Javeri Agha said that "Overcrowding, inadequate access to basic necessities, and human rights issues are significant challenges in Pakistan’s prisons.”

She said that “the NCHR conducts regular inspections to assess conditions and works to ensure that recommendations align with national and international human rights standards.” On the issue of prolonged pre-trial detention, the Chairperson added, “Non-custodial measures such as probation, community service, and restorative justice practices can significantly reduce overcrowding. We are collaborating with the judiciary and legislative bodies to promote alternatives that benefit both individuals and society.”

"Overcrowding in our prisons is not just a logistical issue—it’s a moral and systemic crisis,” said Sarah Belal, Executive Director of JPP. “This report provides the data and insights needed to drive evidence-based reforms that prioritize humanity, dignity, and justice,” she said adding that every additional inmate in an overcrowded cell is a testament to our failure to provide justice. “Reforming sentencing laws and improving bail provisions are urgent steps we must take.”

“Data-driven reforms are the key to creating a justice system that works for everyone. Our data reveals that most prisoners are petty offenders—individuals pushed into crime by poverty or desperation. Addressing these root causes would empty our prisons far faster than building new ones,” said Azhar Rashid Khan, Deputy General of NAPA.