Matter of rights: CJ calls for remedial measures in prisons

Urges state, civil institutions to bring about changes in jail culture.

ISLAMABAD:

Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on Saturday called for remedial reform measures to improve the country’s prison system and ensure that inmates are given their due rights.

In this connection, he said, the jail regime as the principal stakeholder has to play its role and grant all facilities to the inmates.

Speaking at the inaugural session of a one-day workshop on “Prisoners’ Vulnerability – Lacking Awareness” at the Federal Judicial Academy on Saturday, the chief justice asked other state functionaries, the civil society and the media to come forward to join hands with the judiciary for bringing revolutionary changes in jail culture.

The chief justice called the increasing number of prisoners alarming and expressed concern about the escalating rate of crime and violence in prisons.

He pointed out that the rights of prisoners were internationally accepted and that they should not be abused or tortured and must be allowed contact with their families. The United Nations General Assembly Resolution 45/111 presents a major guiding document with respect to the treatment of prisoners and it states: “All prisoners shall be treated with inherent dignity and be valued as human beings”, he said, citing from the document.

The chief justice said Islam provided for the rights of prisoners, adding that the judiciary was the third pillar of the state, which was maintaining the supremacy of the law.

He said the Supreme Court is fully geared to enforce fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution.

The judiciary is keen to take all possible steps for the betterment of prisoners and is incumbent on the courts to ensure a conducive environment for prisoners, which may help in reforming them, he said in his address.

“Judges are responsible for paying attention to the state of prisoners”, he added, expressing the hope that the recommendations given during the workshop would help to ameliorate the dismal conditions of prisoners in Pakistani jails.

The National Judicial Committee has recommended various measures, including the provision of separate boarding for juveniles and females, quality food and clean drinking water, availability of literature for study, and introducing recreational facilities for prisoners.

Chief Justice Chaudhry said the judiciary is conscious of the fact that it has to protect the rights of prisoners through its judgments. “We are taking reformatory measures provided from the National Judicial Policy Making Committee,” he added.

He said that Article 9 of the Constitution clearly addresses the rights of prisoners, adding that no one should have to remain in prison for a longer time than what is necessary.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 3^rd, 2013.