Pakistan’s Prisons Overcrowded at 164% Capacity; 74% Of 113,214 Inmates Await Trial, According to Islamabad Declaration.

Pakistan’s prisons are operating at 164% capacity, holding 113,214 inmates in facilities designed for 68,828 people. A recent National Conference on Prison Reform, organized by the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee, led to the Islamabad Declaration. The declaration was agreed to by the chief ministers of all four provinces, making prison reform a national priority. It also highlights that 74.05% of prisoners are undertrial detainees who have not yet finished their legal process. The numbers show that overcrowding stems from delayed investigations, long trials, and lack of legal aid, not from more crime. The conference urged that prisons should not become the default solution. It called for expanding parole, probation, diversion and community service for eligible offenders, while strengthening rehabilitation in prisons. Implementation steps include digital case management, video‑link hearings, and better prison health, education and vocational programs. These measures aim to reduce unnecessary detention, cut costs, and improve public safety. The goal is a justice system that is fair, timely and sustainable, meeting the standards set by international rules such as the Nelson Mandela Rules and the Tokyo Rules on Non‑custodial Measures.