For over a century, Pakistan’s prison system operated under the antiquated Prisons Act of 1894, a colonial relic designed to subjugate rather than rehabilitate.
This draconian framework treated inmates as liabilities to be restrained, rather than individuals capable of redemption. Discipline and deterrence were prioritised over reform, leading to prison conditions characterised by overcrowding, inhumane treatment, and systemic neglect. Vulnerable groups – women, juveniles, and those with mental health conditions – were especially marginalised, their needs neglected, and their voices ignored.
In a groundbreaking departure from this punitive legacy, the Sindh Prison Rules 2019, promulgated under the Sindh Prisons & Corrections Service Act 2019, represent a transformative shift toward rehabilitation, reintegration, and human dignity. Inspired by international human rights frameworks and informed by modern correctional practices, these rules reimagine prisons as institutions of reform rather than mere confinement, offering a beacon of hope for a more just and equitable society.
This monumental transformation owes its success to the vision and tireless dedication of individuals and institutions committed to justice and reform. At the forefront of this movement is Justice Nasir Aslam Zahid, former judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and founder of the Committee for the Welfare of Prisoners (CWP). His decades-long advocacy for prison reform ensured that the new rules were firmly grounded in the principles of human rights and aligned with international best practices.
The CWP, in collaboration with the Sindh Judicial Academy, the Sindh Prisons and Correction Service, and key stakeholders played an instrumental role in drafting and implementing these forward-thinking reforms. Their collective efforts mark a significant milestone in reshaping Pakistan’s correctional philosophy.
The colonial-era Prisons Act of 1894 entrenched a retributive justice system that perpetuated harsh and dehumanising conditions. Overcrowding became endemic, with prisons routinely housing inmates at double their intended capacity. Basic necessities such as medical care, sanitation, and adequate food were treated as luxuries rather than rights. Juveniles were often housed alongside hardened criminals, exposing them to exploitation and abuse, while women prisoners faced an acute lack of maternal care, childcare facilities, and recognition of cultural or religious practices. The arbitrary granting of remissions – often used as a tool of administrative patronage – further eroded the system’s credibility.
The Sindh Prison Rules 2019 dismantle this punitive legacy by placing rehabilitation and reintegration at the heart of prison governance. The rules prioritise vocational training, psychological support, and educational initiatives to prepare inmates for a meaningful return to society. Programmes now include vocational training in skills such as carpentry, sewing, and digital literacy, alongside tailored mental health interventions. For juveniles, sports initiatives like football training camps foster teamwork, discipline, and hope.
Women’s prisons have been transformed into supportive environments with early learning centres for children, sensory gardens to nurture emotional well-being, and dedicated maternal healthcare services. Healthcare has become a cornerstone of these reforms, with regular medical check-ups, menstrual hygiene education, and trauma counselling addressing the physical and mental well-being of inmates.
The Committee for the Welfare of Prisoners (CWP), a nonprofit organisation established in 2004 under the chairpersonship of Justice Nasir Aslam Zahid, has been a driving force behind these reforms. Initially focused on providing legal aid to women and juveniles, the CWP expanded its mandate to include male inmates in 2011, operating across 24 prisons in Sindh. Through its initiatives, the CWP has brought tangible improvements to the lives of incarcerated individuals. Key programmes include Early Learning Centers in women’s prisons, where children of incarcerated mothers receive education and care, and Sewing Centers, which empower inmates to earn livelihoods and support their families. Paralegal training programmes, conducted by CWP lawyers, equip inmates with the knowledge to educate fellow prisoners about their legal rights, fostering a culture of awareness and self-reliance.
A recent collaboration with philanthropist Muhammad Faisal Sami and the Legal Aid Society (LAS) has further expanded the scope of the CWP’s initiatives. Digital literacy classes for women prisoners, set to commence soon, will provide critical technological skills, enhancing inmates’ self-sufficiency and prospects for reintegration into society. Despite these progressive reforms, overcrowding remains a formidable challenge. Sindh’s prisons currently house over 22,000 inmates in facilities designed for a maximum capacity of 13,938 – a staggering 141 per cent overcapacity. Nearly 80 per cent of these inmates are under-trial prisoners, languishing behind bars due to systemic delays in the judicial process.
Efforts to address overcrowding include streamlining judicial procedures to reduce case backlogs, implementing alternative sentencing mechanisms such as probation and community service, and constructing new facilities or expanding existing ones. Biometric systems and electronic record-keeping have been introduced to enhance transparency and efficiency, while independent oversight bodies ensure accountability through regular inspections. While significant progress has been made, much work remains. Women prisoners have reported marked improvements in living conditions and greater access to education, but these gains are fragile without sustained funding and institutional commitment. The Sindh government must allocate adequate resources to ensure the long-term viability of these reforms and their expansion across the province.
Effective implementation is critical to the success of the Sindh Prison Rules 2019. This requires training prison staff in human rights and modern correctional practices, reducing case backlogs to address the plight of under-trial prisoners, educating the public to combat the stigma faced by former inmates, and constructing additional facilities to alleviate overcrowding.
The treatment of prisoners is a profound reflection of a society’s humanity. The Sindh Prison Rules 2019 challenge the archaic notion of incarceration as mere punishment, offering a vision of prisons as places of growth, learning, and transformation. These reforms underscore the belief that every individual, regardless of their past, is capable of redemption and deserves the opportunity for a second chance.
Achieving this vision requires a concerted effort from the government, civil society, and the public. By restoring dignity, rebuilding lives, and embracing a justice system rooted in compassion and rehabilitation, Sindh’s prison reforms stand as a testament to the power of hope and the enduring possibility of transformation.
The writer is an advocate of the high court.
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