ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi has underscored the need for a just and equitable criminal justice framework, emphasising that a humane and efficient prison system forms its backbone.

The chief justice stated this while chairing a consultative meeting convened in Peshawar on Friday.

The CJP appreciated the prison management in KP, noting that 1,289 prisoners charged with minor offenses had been released through camp courts conducted by judicial officers over the past three months, and urged other provinces to replicate these efforts to alleviate overcrowding.

The meeting was in continuation to the series of nationwide discussions initiated earlier this month by the Chief Justice of Pakistan in Lahore and Islamabad, aimed at formulating a comprehensive National Jail Reform Policy. The agenda focused on prison reforms and inmate welfare as key components of a broader strategy to modernise Pakistan’s criminal justice system.

CJP chairs consultative meeting in Peshawar on National Jail

Peshawar High Court Chief Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim highlighted the lack of rehabilitation facilities for the convicts in the province, stressing the need to develop a strong rehabilitation system for absorption of the convicts in the society. He proposed sentence remissions to inmates who achieve educational excellence during their confinement, aligning with broader rehabilitation goals.

The meeting also focused on Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan’s (LJCP’s) proposed National Jail Reform Policy, which aligns with international standards, including the Nelson Mandela Rules, Bangkok Rules, and Beijing Rules.

This policy aims to ensure the humane and rehabilitative management of correctional facilities across Pakistan. The participants expressed strong support for the proposal, emphasising the importance of alternative sentencing options and rehabilitation programmes for under-trial prisoners.

A significant outcome of the meeting was the recommendation to establish a jail reforms committee to address pressing issues such as overcrowding, inmate welfare and case processing delays. The proposed terms of reference (ToRs) for a national committee were also discussed, focusing on reducing under-trial detention, improving case management and implementing comprehensive rehabilitation initiatives.

To accelerate these objectives, the CJP announced the formation of a sub-committee for KP province, comprising social worker and activist Ayesha Bano (also to act as the coordinator), Fazal Shakoor Khan, Ahmad Karim Kundi, Amjad Ali, and a representative of the inspector general of prisons.

This sub-committee shall compile a report on the situation prevailing in the jails of the province with respect to various categories of the inmates confined in the prisons. The report prepared by this sub-committee shall be submitted to Justice Qalandar Ali Khan, a former PHC judge, for oversight and guidance.

The findings of this report shall contribute in formulating a national prison reforms policy, which shall be based on the feedback received from all the provinces.

The sub-committee’s priorities will include making recommendations for reducing the number of under-trial prisoners and promoting alternative sentencing options such as community service and probation.

The participants also stressed the importance of expanding prison-based rehabilitative programmes, including vocational training, mental health support and educational initiatives, to facilitate inmates’ reintegration into society upon release.

Published in Dawn, November 23rd, 2024