ISLAMABAD: The administration of Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi has issued an apology for its inability to accommodate individuals detained under the anti-beggary law due to severe overcrowding.
In a letter addressed to the Islamabad chief commissioner, Adiala Jail Superintendent Asad Javed Warraich explained that the prison’s capacity was 2,174 inmates, but it currently housed over 7,000 accused individuals.
He highlighted the presence of a significant number of beggars in the prison, many of whom were injured, disabled, or drug-addicted. Due to space constraints, the jail administration faced considerable challenges in accommodating individuals detained under the anti-beggary law.
Warraich suggested that the completion of District Jail Islamabad should be expedited, and until then, alternative arrangements should be made for those arrested under the anti-beggary law.
Furthermore, he stated that Adiala Jail would no longer accept individuals detained under the anti-beggary law in the future.
Begging has become a prevalent profession in the country, with an estimated 25 million professional beggars in Pakistan.
Despite being viewed as a social issue and a burden on society, street beggars remain a common sight across towns and cities, congregating outside mosques, events, and busy areas.
The problem of overcrowding at Adiala Jail persists despite various political figures having been incarcerated there.
A Senate panel visiting the jail in June of the previous year was informed that it housed more than 6,000 inmates, exceeding its capacity of just over 2,000 prisoners.
