Rs510m approved for Adiala Jail upgradation

Official sources say project will enhance prisons’ capacity by 30%

ISLAMABAD:

Funds worth Rs510 million have been approved to increase barracks and improve basic facilities at the Adiala Central Prison.

According to official sources, the initiative encompasses the expansion of capacity to accommodate additional prisoners as well as the enhancement of residential areas in the prison.

They said the project will be completed in one year.

Apart from upgrading the barracks facilities, the project aims to expand both the residential and non-residential areas within the prison which will result in a 30 per cent increase in the capacity of the jail.

Moreover, Rs150.5 million have been allocated for upgrading essential facilities in the residential areas of Adiala Jail. Sources said Rs368.8 million will be utilised for improving non-residential areas, including the expansion of barracks.

In this regard, the superintendent engineer has called for bids from contractors, urging them to submit their bids for the project by June 5.

The contract will be awarded on the same day to ensure early commencement of work on the project.

Rawalpindi Central Jail, also known as Adiala Jail, is situated on Adiala Road in Dhargal village.

Occupying a total area of 84.4 acres, the construction of this prison commenced in 1982 and was completed four years later in 1986. Despite the passage of 37 years since its establishment, Adiala Jail continues to house both undertrial and convicted inmates.

Originally designed to accommodate 1,919 prisoners, the prison population has significantly increased due to a substantial rise in crime over the past few decades. Currently, the jail holds around 3,700 accused, with a consistent influx of 6,000 to 7,000 accused.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 21^st, 2023.