Pakistan’s prisons house 102,026 inmates in facilities designed for just 65,811
Pakistan’s prisons are currently housing 102,026 inmates while facilities are designed for just 65,811, operating at a staggering 152.9% capacity. 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 pretrial detention, and the systemic neglect of vulnerable populations such as women and juveniles. Key findings from the report show that a shocking 73.41pc 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 programmes over punitive measures. In some cases, overcrowding exceeds 300pc as seen in Karachi’s Central Prison. 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 RabiyaJaveri 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 pretrial 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.
“This report is a step toward fostering a humane and rights-based approach to incarceration.” Farhah Ali Shah, Prosecutor General of Punjab, emphasized, “Streamlined bail provisions and timely trials are essential to addressing the overrepresentation of under-trial prisoners. Without systemic reforms, the gaps in our justice system will only widen.” He underscored the need for collaboration.
The report urges Pakistan to align its prison system with international standards, including the Mandela Rules and Bangkok Rules, to ensure the dignity and rights of all incarcerated individuals. Key recommendations include expanding non-custodial sentencing options, improving access to legal aid, and prioritizing the needs of vulnerable groups such as women and juveniles. “This report isn’t just a collection of data—it’s a call to action,” said Belal. “By addressing the systemic gaps and inefficiencies, we can build a more just and humane society.”
