HRCP Urges Criminal Justice Reforms to Combat Punjab Prison Overcrowding

LAHORE: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has called for immediate reforms to the criminal justice system as prisons nationwide face severe overcrowding, particularly in Punjab, where facilities are operating at over 190% of their intended capacity as of September.

In its recent policy paper, titled Beyond the Prison Wall: Reducing Overcrowding in Pakistan’s Prisons, released on Tuesday, the HRCP emphasized that the issue of overcrowding is not simply about constructing more jails but reflects deeper systemic problems, including ineffective bail processes, prolonged trial durations, sluggish investigations, and limited application of probation and parole.

According to the latest data from Punjab prisons, the province houses 74,773 inmates, far exceeding its designated capacity of 39,204, resulting in an alarming overcrowding rate of 190.73%. Notably, under-trial prisoners make up nearly 74% of the total prison population, with figures rising from 51,428 under-trial detainees among 70,069 inmates in September 2025, when overcrowding was recorded at 183.35%.

The HRCP’s findings indicate that the national situation mirrors Punjab’s challenges, with official data from July-August 2024 revealing similarly concerning trends across the country. The commission is advocating for comprehensive reforms to address these critical issues and improve the overall criminal justice landscape in Pakistan.