RAWALPINDI, Aug 29: As many as 85 under-trial prisoners were released from jail on the directives of the district and sessions judge, a prison official said on Friday.

District and Sessions Judge Malik Dost Mohammad, during his visit to Adiala jail, ordered the release of these people being tried on minor charges of theft, using narcotics and loitering.

“It was a routine visit by the sessions judge,” the official said, and added that the judge usually visited the prison on the last Friday of every month.

The prisoners were released on personal surety bonds.

Adiala jail is one of the most overcrowded prisons of the province. Having a capacity to house 1,800 inmates, the jail’s population remains at about 5,500.

The situation has been having a telling impact on the security of the jail, its infrastructure and living conditions of the prisoners.

“It is, therefore, very important to release those caught in minor cases to reduce overcrowding in the cells,” the official said.

He said before being set free, they were advised by the judge to become useful citizens of the society by giving up their bad habits and to refrain from breaking the law.