ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi has launched a series of initiatives aimed at comprehensive jail reforms to enhance the effectiveness of the prison system and ensure a fair legal framework.
The meeting held in Lahore presided over by the Chief Justice Afridi and attended by the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court, Aalia Neelum, Administrative Judge Justice Shams Mehmood Mirza, Secretaries from the Home and Prosecution Departments, Inspectors General of Police and Prisons, as well as human rights activist Saima Amin Khawaja.
Members from both treasury and opposition political parties, including Senator Ahad Khan Cheema and Khadijah Shah, who have firsthand experience of imprisonment, also participated.
This meeting marked the first discussion aimed at developing a National Jail Reform Policy, focusing on prison reforms and inmate welfare as part of a broader strategy for criminal justice reform in Pakistan. Chief Justice Afridi emphasized the need for a humane and effective prison system to ensure justice.
During the meeting, Chief Justice highlighted alarming data from the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP), revealing that the nation’s prisons are severely overcrowded, housing 108,643 inmates in facilities meant for only 66,625. Punjab, in particular, faces critical challenges, with 67,837 prisoners in prisons built for just 36,365, including 36,128 under-trial prisoners, many awaiting trial for over a year.
Recognizing the urgent need for reform, Chief Justice Afridi proposed a phased approach, starting with Punjab and eventually expanding to the rest of the country.
The agenda centered on the LJCP’s proposal for a National Jail Reform Policy aligned with international standards, such as the Nelson Mandela Rules, Bangkok Rules, and Beijing Rules, to ensure humane and rehabilitative management across correctional facilities.
The proposal received strong support, with participants discussing alternative sentencing options and rehabilitation initiatives for under-trial prisoners.
The possibility of establishing a Jail Reforms Committee was also explored, aimed at developing strategies to reduce overcrowding, enhance inmate welfare, and improve case processing efficiency.
The proposed Terms of Reference (ToRs) for the National Committee will guide efforts to reduce under-trial detention and implement comprehensive rehabilitation programs.
Chief Justice Afridi constituted a sub-committee, including Justice (R) Shabbar Raza Rizvi, Saima Amin Khawaja, Senator Ahad Khan Cheema, and Khadijah Shah, tasked with inspecting jails in Punjab and providing recommendations to address the high number of under-trial prisoners.
The committee will also explore alternative sentencing options such as community service and probation, alongside expanding rehabilitative initiatives, including vocational training and mental health support.
