Islamabad: A joint declaration was issued at the end of the
Prison Reforms Conference hosted by the Supreme Court, which was also signed by
the Chief Ministers of all four provinces. The declaration states that
Pakistan’s prisons are overloaded with prisoners, while infrastructure, health
facilities, mental health services, rehabilitation, education and vocational
training opportunities are also inadequate.
According to the Supreme Court’s statement, these challenges
affect not only prison management but also access to justice, public safety,
human dignity and the rule of law.
The statement emphasized that coordinated action among the executive, judiciary, and legislature is essential for meaningful and sustainable prison reforms, and that the primary responsibility for prison management, resourcing, and reform lies with provincial governments.
According to the Supreme Court's announcement, effective
measures will be taken to reduce unnecessary imprisonment, address prison overcrowding, and bring the prison administration into line with
constitutional and human rights requirements.
The announcement also emphasized improving measures for
prisoners to provide hygiene, nutrition, medical and mental health facilities,
redressal of grievances, and protection from violence and abuse.
According to the Supreme Court statement, it was agreed that
education, vocational training, psychological support, drug treatment, skills
development and post-release rehabilitation programs should be expanded.
According to the statement, regular reports will be submitted on the progress of the implementation of the agreed national mechanism for prison reform.
The declaration expressed the determination that prison
reforms are not merely an administrative necessity but a constitutional,
humane, and public safety requirement, and that a prison system will be created
that is legal, humane, and restorative.
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