CJP urges provinces to improve prison conditions, uphold inmates’ rights

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi on Thursday called for urgent prison reforms, emphasising that inmate rights are central to the country’s justice system.

He urged provincial governments to improve prison conditions.

Addressing a national conference on prison reforms in Islamabad, CJP Afridi said that true judicial reform requires effective execution rather than just court rulings, adding that accountability within the justice system is actively being enforced.

“The rights of prisoners hold a pivotal position in the justice system,” he told delegates from across Pakistan’s provinces.

“Providing health facilities and clean drinking water in prisons is indispensable.”

While noting that significant progress has been made in reducing the backlog of pending court cases, the CJP reminded provincial governments of their legal obligations regarding detention centers.

“Improving the state of prisons is constitutionally the responsibility of the provincial governments,” CJP Afridi said.

To address systemic issues, he said that provincial-level committees have already been established to oversee and implement prison welfare updates.

He stressed that a robust criminal justice system remains the cornerstone of any society.