Corroded prison system

It is an open secret that the criminal justice system of Pakistan is corroded and dilapidated. Instead of rehabilitating criminals, jails act more like torture cells where heinous acts are carried out by the security staff on helpless poor prisoners. These so-called officers of the law have not even left visitors alone. A recent horrifying report by the Provincial Intelligence Centre (PIC) accuses Attock district jail employees of raping and sexually harassing women visiting prisoners. Apart from this, the jail staff was found guilty of torture, corruption and extortion while drug use was also widespread.

The PIC field staff have recommended an inquiry into the affairs of the district jail by a high-powered committee but the fact remains that prosecution of criminals remains deplorably low. There has long been a need to reform prisons and jails across the country, which can only be done through adequate funding and incorruptible officials at the helm. The reality is that prisons themselves have become a den of criminal activity. The law of the jungle prevails as those who are responsible for upholding the law are often seen breaking it to unimaginable lengths.

This is also part of the reason why crime rates in major cities are so high. Those that are victims of horrible crimes are not given the justice promised by the state. Is the law not equal for everyone? The issue also highlights the problem of rape in Pakistan as instances of rape and sexual harassment are more widespread than we care to imagine. Such evils can only be tackling if fair trails are conducted and severe punishment is meted out to the accused as a form of deterrence for others. Simultaneously, the government must look to revolutionise the prison system to make it more professional and effective.