Sindh's reformative prison rules

For over a century, Pakistan's criminal justice system has functioned under the shadow of colonial-era legislation. Enacted during British rule, the Prisons Act of 1894 and the Prisoners Act of 1900 — alongside the Pakistan Penal Code (1860) and the Code of Criminal Procedure (1898) — have shaped the country's correctional framework.

These laws were not conceived to rehabilitate, but rather to control and suppress. They emphasised deterrence over reform, discipline over dignity, and control over care — laying the foundation for a prison system that often dehumanises rather than rehabilitates.

This legacy has resulted in institutional practices that treat inmates as burdens rather than individuals with the potential for reintegration into society. Harsh incarceration conditions, systemic neglect and overcrowding remain the norm, with prisoners frequently denied access to even basic healthcare and education.

The situation is particularly dire for vulnerable groups — juveniles, women, and individuals with mental health conditions — who face compounded discrimination within an already failing system. Minority prisoners, in particular, are often subjected to discriminatory policies that limit their access to remission and educational opportunities.

Among Pakistan's provinces, Sindh has taken the bold and commendable step of challenging this entrenched colonial mindset through the promulgation of the Sindh Prisons and Corrections Service Act, 2019. This legislative development marks a significant departure from the outdated punitive model and embraces a modern, rehabilitative approach to prison governance. The subsequent introduction of the Sindh Prison Rules 2019 represents a transformative shift, aligning provincial correctional practices with international human rights standards and contemporary correctional philosophies.

The reforms in Sindh through its Prison Rules, 2019, underscore the recognition that incarceration should serve a purpose beyond punishment. The province's correctional philosophy now centres on rehabilitation, reformation and reintegration. This paradigm shift is reflected in various initiatives: vocational training programmes equip inmates with employable skills such as carpentry, sewing and digital literacy, while structured mental health interventions provide psychological support tailored to individual needs.

For women inmates, the transformation has been even more impactful. The creation of early learning centres for children, the provision of maternal healthcare services and the establishment of sensory gardens contribute to a more nurturing and humane prison environment. These reforms seek not only to safeguard the physical and mental well-being of inmates but also to offer them the tools needed for reintegration into society as responsible and productive citizens.

The emphasis on healthcare within the Sindh prison system further reinforces the shift towards human-centred correction. Routine medical examinations, education on menstrual hygiene and access to trauma counselling have been institutionalised, ensuring that inmates' basic health needs are addressed with dignity and care.

These reforms reimagine prisons as places where individuals are allowed to reform and rejoin society with dignity. This vision, however, requires sustained support from all stakeholders - policymakers, civil society organisations and the public at large.

While Sindh's progressive stance remains an exception rather than the norm. The other three provinces continue to be governed by the 19th century laws, which no longer reflect the values of a just and modern society. The need for a nationwide correctional reform agenda is more urgent than ever. Provincial governments must revise their prison laws and rules in line with international standards that prohibit torture and all forms of cruel or degrading treatment.

Ultimately, legislative reform, while essential, is only the first step. What Pakistan needs most is a shift in mindset — from punishment to rehabilitation, from retribution to restoration. The Sindh model stands as a compelling example of what is possible when prisons are treated not as places of despair, but as institutions of opportunity and transformation.