Adiala Jail overcrowding sparks prisoner complaints

Accused highlight harsh conditions; say wards built for 80 now hold up to 140

RAWALPINDI:

Prisoners brought from Adiala Central Jail to courts in Rawalpindi's district judiciary for hearings have complained of severe overcrowding in the jail and described the Iftar food provided to inmates — including samosas, pakoras and dates — as extremely poor in quality.

Speaking to reporters after appearing before the sessions courts, several accused persons said the wards where they are housed were designed to accommodate 70 to 80 inmates, yet between 130 and 140 prisoners are currently confined in a single ward. As a result, many inmates are forced to sleep in washrooms, while others must take turns resting due to the lack of space.

"In our ward, about 40 prisoners sleep while another 40 remain awake, and then they switch," one inmate said, describing the conditions as extremely difficult, particularly during Ramazan.

The prisoners further appealed that, given the Eid season and the ongoing month of Ramazan, bail should be granted in cases other than murder, robbery, rape, major financial fraud and terrorism, in order to reduce overcrowding in the jail.

While waiting in the temporary holding cells (Bakshi Khana) at the Judicial Complex, several detainees also criticised the quality of the Iftar meals. According to them, the samosas and pakoras served at sunset are often prepared around 10am, by which time they have become hard as stones and excessively salty, leaving inmates with little choice but to discard them. They added that the dates provided are also of very poor quality.

The prisoners urged judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts to conduct surprise inspections of jail wards and Iftar arrangements, saying that such visits would reveal the true situation inside the prison.

Responding to the allegations, jail authorities said that preparing Iftar meals for six to seven thousand inmates and detainees inevitably requires advance preparation. They maintained that the bread, pakoras and samosas are freshly made, though they are cooked two to three hours before distribution due to the large number of prisoners.

Officials further noted that the situation is expected to improve once the Islamabad Central Model Jail becomes fully operational, as prisoners from Islamabad district will be transferred there, easing pressure on Adiala Jail. They also stated that inmates who wish to prepare their own Iftar meals are permitted to do so freely within the jail.