Islamabad’s long-awaited model jail is set to be made operational in three phases, with the first phase expected to begin by the end of August.
The second phase will conclude within 90 days by October 31, while the final phase is scheduled for completion by December 31, 2025. Once the first phase is complete, between 200 and 300 inmates will be transferred from Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail to the new model jail in Islamabad. Among them is likely to be the former prime minister Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned in Adiala Jail for the past two years.
The Islamabad Model Jail is being constructed on 90 acres in Sector H-16/2 of the federal capital. Initially estimated at Rs3.9 billion, the project’s cost has now ballooned to over Rs18.2 billion due to persistent delays and a steep rise in construction material prices.
Designed to house 2,000 inmates and under-trial prisoners, the facility includes separate large barracks for women and juvenile detainees. The jail also features a school for staff children, a 22-bed hospital for inmates and staff, a mosque, an Imambargah, a church, a library, and an auditorium.
A large kitchen capable of preparing meals for 2,000 to 3,000 people has also been equipped with roti-making machines. The covered area of the facility has increased from 869,621 to 914,329 square feet.
Though the project was originally proposed in 2007, construction only began after funds were allocated in the 2016–17 budget.
Initially planned as a 36-month project to be completed in 2019, it was stalled due to funding cuts. Work resumed at a faster pace from July 1 this year. Two regular barracks and one special barrack have been completed, along with security checkposts and the central watchtower, which are currently undergoing finishing work expected to wrap up within a week.
To make the facility functional, the Ministry of Interior has requested 288 police personnel, including 8 inspectors, 5 assistant sub-inspectors, 25 head constables, and 250 constables. These officers are expected to be handed over to the Islamabad jail administration by August 14.
The appointment of the jail’s first superintendent, deputy superintendent, and assistant superintendent is also expected by mid-August. While the model jail will help ease overcrowding at Adiala Jail, it won’t fully resolve the issue. Adiala Jail has a capacity of 3,500, but currently houses up to 7,500 inmates and under-trial prisoners. Even if 2,000 are relocated, the facility is likely to fill back up quickly.
Preparations for launching the pilot phase are in full swing, with daily progress reports being submitted to the Ministry of Interior. Multiple departments are working around the clock to meet deadlines. Special new prison vans are also being provided, and the recruitment process for doctors and hospital staff is set to begin in the first week of August.
Islamabad became a fully functional capital in 1967. After a 58-year wait, its first prison is now set to be activated in 2025.
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