Chief Justice Afridi launches jail reforms

ISLAMABAD:

In a move to overhaul the prison system, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi has launched an initiative for comprehensive jail reforms.

The initiative aims to develop a National Jail Reform Policy that aligns with international standards to implement transformative, systemic improvements within the country's prison framework.

The development was announced during a consultative meeting held in Lahore, presided over by the chief justice.

The meeting marked the inaugural discussion on developing the National Jail Reform Policy, with a focus on prison reforms and the welfare of inmates as part of a broader strategy for criminal justice reform in Pakistan.

The gathering included notable figures such as Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aalia Neelum, LHC Administrative Judge Justice Shams Mehmood Mirza, secretaries from the Home and Prosecution Departments, Inspectors General of Police and Prisons, the Supreme Court registrar, Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP) secretary, and Central Prison Lahore Superintendent Saima Amin Khawaja, alongside human rights activists.

Among the participants were leaders from both treasury and opposition political parties, Senator Ahad Khan Cheema and Khadijah Shah, respectively, who have firsthand experience with imprisonment.

CJP Afridi stressed that "a humane and effective prison system is essential to ensure a fair legal framework".

He pointed out that data collected by the LJCP—a legal advisory organisation—indicated a deeply concerning national situation, with 108,643 inmates housed in facilities designed for only 66,625.

"Punjab faces particularly severe challenges, with 67,837 prisoners confined in prisons built to accommodate just 36,365. Further analysis shows that 36,128 of these are under-trial prisoners, many of whom have been awaiting trial for over a year, highlighting a critical issue for the justice system," CJP Afridi stated.

The CJ stressed the necessity of addressing these urgent issues in Punjab as a starting point, with plans to extend the reforms nationwide. "This strategic focus on Punjab underscores his commitment to impactful, sustainable reforms where it is most needed," the LJCP's statement noted.

Participants also discussed the possibility of establishing a Jail Reforms Committee tasked with developing strategies to reduce overcrowding, enhance inmate welfare, and improve case processing efficiency.

In addition, the Terms of Reference (ToRs) proposed for the National Committee will guide structured efforts to reduce under-trial detention, introduce case management improvements, and implement comprehensive rehabilitation programs.

CJP Afridi constituted a sub-committee composed of Justice (retd) Shabbar Raza Rizvi, Saima Amin Advocate, Senator Cheema, and Khadijah Shah to inspect the jails across Punjab.

The sub-committee will provide recommendations aimed at streamlining processes to address the high number of under-trial prisoners and promote alternative sentencing options, including community service and probation.

Further commitments from the meeting include expanding rehabilitative initiatives within jails, such as vocational training, mental health support, and educational programs to assist inmates in successfully reintegrating upon release.