51,674 under trial prisoners detained in 98 jails, SC told

Federal ombudsman submits report regarding status of improving conditions of jails in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has been informed that 80,145 prisoners are detained in 98 jails wherein 51,674 are under trial and 24,280 are convicted.

The federal ombudsman submitted the third quarterly implementation report regarding status of improving conditions of jails in Pakistan, through its secretary and Hafiz Ahsaan Ahmad Khokhar advocate in a suo motu case.

The report stated that the jails’ sanctioned strength is 56,495, while 1,129 females and 1,135 youth are prisoners.

The ombudsman suggested in the report that the provincial and district oversight committees be activated.

“Provincial Oversight Committee (POC) should take lead on the subject. Regular visits at least once in a month of District Oversight Committees (DOCs) may be undertaken and visit reports be submitted regularly to POC and Wafaqi Mohtasib Secretariat (WMS),” stated the report, adding that TORs may also be circulated to all committees and a plan of orientation be prepared to enable them to perform well.

“At a later stage, the committees’ performance would also be evaluated and if needed, fresh induction from civil society, retired civil servants, judicial officers, members of chambers and bars would be made,” it added.

 

SC dismisses under-trial prisoner's plea against shifting to Sukkur prison

Recommendations for the provincial governments

The ombudsman has proposed that action should be taken for finalisation of the proposed amendments in the existing Probation and Parole Laws.

It is also recommended that home departments and inspectors general of prisons should expedite the work on under construction jails/sub-jails/judicial lockups; take steps for improving the jails’ conditions and provision of basic facilities in Bakhshi Khanas /judicial lockups.

“Concrete steps on automation should be taken by home departments and inspectors general of prisons of each province under intimation to WMS as decided in earlier meetings. The home departments should take lead in coordinating with the concerned departments – police, jails prosecution departments for developing a feasibility report/plan with time lines and execute a project to institute a biometric verification system/one interface for prisoners throughout the chain from jails to courts.  Special measures for medical facilities in consultation with donor agencies be taken. The home departments and IGs of prisons of each province would submit their requirements to this secretariat,” says the report.

SC will not interfere in high court matters, says CJP

“Rehabilitation centres be established/activated for mentally deranged, drug users and juvenile prisoners. Moreover, lab tests for HIV/hepatitis prisoners should be ensured. Efforts should be made that drug users and mentally insane prisoners are provided medical treatment and are kept separate from other prisoners in all jails. Lists should be provided by home and prisons departments separately.”

The report stated that efforts should be made to coordinate with other educational institutions in each district for imparting quality education in jails.

“Steps be taken for establishment of Prisoners Welfare Fund at provincial level as suggested in the recommendations for improving jails conditions and payment of fines. Respectable donors/educational institutions be encouraged to play their role more effectively. Sanitation conditions in jails be improved. Independent updated progress report of every jail of the province with reference to the implementation of recommendations and points mentioned as miscellaneous items be submitted by home and prisons department to the WMS,” it stated.