Pakistan’s Prison Population Surges to 110,513 Amid Overcrowding Crisis

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s prison population has surged to 110,513, with a staggering three-fourths of inmates currently awaiting trial, according to the Annual Prisons Data Report 2026, released by the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) and Justice Project Pakistan (JPP).

The report, unveiled on Thursday at a local hotel with support from the European Union, highlights that the country’s prisons are operating at over 160% of their authorized capacity. With a designed capacity of approximately 68,832 inmates, the prison system is currently housing 41,681 more individuals than it can accommodate.

Of the total prison population, 82,988, or 75%, are under-trial prisoners, exceeding the authorized capacity by 14,156. This alarming trend raises significant concerns regarding the justice system’s efficiency and the human rights implications of prolonged detention without trial.

Chairperson of the NCHR, Rabiya Javeri Agha, emphasized the urgent need for reforms to address the overcrowding issue, particularly in Punjab and Sindh, where conditions are most severe. The report also calls for a review of bail processes and trial delays, urging the government to explore alternatives to imprisonment to alleviate the crisis.