Punjab seeks to align prison rules with UN HR standards

LAHORE: The Punjab Home Department has proposed a sweeping overhaul of the Pakistan Prison Rules, 1978 to align the rules with the United Nations human rights standards.

These amendments, if enacted, will bring the country’s prison system significantly closer to the international standards of inmate care, dignity, and rehabilitation, addressing decades-old gaps in health, education, vocational training, and communication for prisoners —especially for women, juveniles, and under-trial inmates.

According to the documents obtained by “Jang”, the Pakistan Prison Rules formulated nearly five decades ago, have remained largely static despite transformative developments in global human rights frameworks. International instruments such as the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Mandela Rules, 2015), the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders (the Bangkok Rules, 2010), the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (the Beijing Rules, 1985), and the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for Non-custodial Measures (the Tokyo Rules, 1990) have established comprehensive standards for humane incarceration, but Pakistan’s legal framework has lagged behind.

The newly proposed amendments aim to rectify that by bringing domestic regulations in line with these global benchmarks, and a summary has been initiated for governmental approval.

Among the most significant changes is the redefinition of Rule 18, which now mandates a comprehensive medical and psychological screening for every prisoner within 24 hours of admission.

In addition to digital documentation, signs of torture or risk of self-harm must be immediately reported to relevant authorities, signaling a strong commitment to transparency and inmate welfare.

Special provisions have been made for female and juvenile inmates, two categories often most vulnerable to abuse and neglect in prison environments.

Rule 18A now includes mandatory screenings for reproductive health, sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse, and psychological trauma. Regular checkups by female gynecologists and access to adequate diets for pregnant and breastfeeding inmates are also proposed under Rules 323B and 323C, along with the ability to receive home-cooked meals or food of their choice during pregnancy.

Juvenile inmates will now benefit from a structured, rehabilitative model under Rule 295. Their treatment will emphasize not only discipline but also education, skill development, sports, medical care, and reintegration into family and society.

A psychologist, in collaboration with the superintendent jail and prison health team, will develop customized rehabilitation plans for each juvenile, making rehabilitation a central goal rather than a side concern.

In an important shift, Rule 156 proposes that the convicted male prisoners serve their time in the district of their domicile to facilitate family contact and community reintegration.

Exceptions to this will be made for prisoners requiring special security arrangements. Meanwhile, Rule 381 allows under-trial prisoners to voluntarily engage in certified skill-based training programs, enabling them to earn and prepare for reintegration after release, with the possibility of financial compensation from the revenue generated through their work.

Prison education also receives a comprehensive upgrade. Rules 298 and 312A mandate full academic assessments and structured educational programs for both juveniles and female prisoners. Barracks will now be equipped with age-appropriate and religiously sensitive reading materials, ensuring a nurturing and informed environment behind bars.

The amendment package expands vocational opportunities beyond traditional gendered roles. Female inmates will have access to skill-building in areas such as computer science, design, library management, and art under Rule 312, while also receiving structured training plans monitored through the PMIS.

Similar emphasis is placed on juveniles over the age of 15 under Rule 297, encouraging them to engage in trades that may secure them livelihoods post-release.

Communication rights are also strengthened. Revised Rule 538 guarantees all prisoners the right to communicate with family and legal representatives through interviews, letters, phone calls, and even video calls where available.

A digital queue management system will streamline this process, recognizing the vital role of external contact in emotional well-being and legal access.

Healthcare infrastructure is set for a major boost. Rule 787 now mandates that every prison hospital be equipped with facilities such as ophthalmology clinics, minor operation theaters, clinical laboratories, X-ray labs, physiotherapy units, detoxification services, and mental health clinics.

Female inmates will have access to female medical professionals and can be referred to community healthcare centers when specialized care is unavailable in prison.

A newly introduced Rule 825A sets out clear criteria for the assignment of prison labor based on health, age, skills, and sentence length, while Rule 825B directs the administrative department to create a mechanism for revenue-sharing with laboring prisoners. This not only incentivizes skill acquisition but also promotes economic justice within the prison system.

Together, these proposed reforms represent a historic recalibration of Pakistan’s penal system — from punishment-centric policies to those grounded in rehabilitation, human dignity, and reintegration. If approved and effectively implemented, they have the potential to transform prison life across the country and elevate Pakistan’s compliance with global human rights obligations.