Pakistan’s prison system is facing severe overcrowding, with inmate numbers far exceeding the approved capacity nationwide. The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) has reported 110,513 prisoners against an approved capacity of 68,832.
The figures show that more than 41,000 inmates are currently above the sanctioned capacity. Moreover, a large majority of prisoners remain involved in cases that have yet to reach a final verdict.
According to the NCHR report, 82,988 inmates are currently under trial across the country. The figures highlight the scale of the pre-trial prison population and the pressure on existing facilities.
Sindh Records Highest Prison Occupancy
Sindh has recorded the highest prison occupancy rate among Pakistan’s provinces, reaching 193 percent. Punjab follows with an occupancy rate of 175.5 percent.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir has also reported significant overcrowding, with occupancy reaching 158 percent. Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s prison occupancy rate stands at 85.6 percent.
Balochistan has reported an occupancy rate of 99.4 percent. The provincial figures show significant differences in prison occupancy across the country.
However, several regions continue to operate above their approved capacity. As a result, overcrowding remains a major challenge for Pakistan’s prison system.
Adiala Jail Faces Growing Pressure
The overcrowding issue is also visible at Central Jail Adiala in Rawalpindi. Superintendent Central Jail Adiala Sajid Baig acknowledged the problem during a ceremony in Islamabad.
He said around 8,000 prisoners are currently housed at the facility. According to Baig, the number of inmates above the jail’s capacity remains a significant challenge.
Prisoners from both Rawalpindi and Islamabad are currently housed at Adiala Jail. Meanwhile, the government is considering measures to deal with the growing prison population.
Baig said a new jail in Islamabad could help reduce the pressure on Adiala Jail. He added that the new facility could cut the burden on Adiala by about half.
Officials Highlight Medical Services at Adiala Jail
Alongside overcrowding, officials also highlighted the medical services available to prisoners at Adiala Jail. Baig said authorities were not compromising on prisoners’ rights at the facility.
He also said judicial officers regularly visit the jail. In addition, the facility has six male doctors and one female doctor.
Medical services at the jail include ECG, ultrasound and dental care. According to Baig, some facilities available at Adiala may not be readily accessible to prisoners outside the jail.
The medical arrangements therefore form another part of the officials’ account of conditions at the facility. However, the growing inmate population continues to place pressure on the jail.
Adiala Jail Reports Around 100 HIV Cases
Baig also disclosed that around 100 HIV cases have been recorded at Adiala Jail. He said most affected prisoners had contracted the infection before entering the facility.
The figures add another dimension to the challenges faced by the overcrowded prison. Meanwhile, officials continue to highlight medical services and regular judicial visits at the facility.
The wider NCHR figures show that overcrowding extends well beyond Adiala Jail. With 110,513 prisoners occupying space approved for 68,832 inmates, the national gap remains substantial.
The large number of under-trial prisoners further highlights the pressure facing Pakistan’s prison system.
At the same time, provincial occupancy rates show that overcrowding remains particularly severe in several parts of the country.
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