Pakistan, March 26 -- Pakistan has long grappled with prison reform against a backdrop of structural inefficiencies, overcrowding, human rights violations, and antiquated colonial-era statutes. There are lots of hurdles to overcome yet, including recent progress due to policy and judicial actions. The jail system was designed as a tool of punishment, not for rehabilitation, and it needs to be urgently reformed so that it is in line with international human rights laws.

A 2024 joint report from Justice Project Pakistan, the National Academy of Prison Administration (NAPA), and the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) reveals the harsh realities and structural flaws in the nation's incarceration system and makes suggestions to assis...