CJ laments K-P's overcrowded jails

Says 400 prisoners crammed into space for 100

PESHAWAR:

Peshawar High Court Chief Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim stated that many prisons in the province are overcrowded, with prisons designed for 100 inmates currently housing 400. "The excessive burden on jails is due to the large number of drug-related arrests.

He further shared that reforms are being implemented in prisons which will serve as a model for the entire world. He emphasised that the government must also take measures to control drug issues and create rehabilitation centers to help bring addicts back to society, thus saving the youth from this curse. He made these remarks during an event on prison reforms at the Judicial Academy Peshawar. Chief Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim also mentioned that Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Yahya Afridi, has taken the initiative for jail reforms, and that such actions should have been taken much earlier.

However, reforms are now underway, and he expressed hope that they will set an example for the world, not follow any other country's model. He noted that many prisons in the province lack facilities tailored to seasonal changes, and it is important to provide proper facilities for women and juvenile prisoners. He also remarked that the Darul Aman is operating solely on a declaration, without specific legislation. He pointed out that 90% of prisoners involved in drug cases are drug addicts, and their numbers have placed immense pressure on the jails.

Chief Justice Ibrahim stressed the need for rehabilitation centers for addicts, as these centers are crucial for their recovery. He called for the government to build such centers for the youth, who are at risk of falling into addiction. The CJ also mentioned that while courts are passing sentences for drug cases, the government should take action to establish these centers for rehabilitation.