Prisons across Punjab, including Lahore, are facing severe overcrowding, with inmate numbers surpassing official capacity by over 70%, according to government data. The province’s 45 jails, originally designed to accommodate around 37,500 prisoners, are currently holding more than 66,700 inmates, creating serious challenges for both staff and detainees.
In Lahore’s Camp Jail, built for 2,000 people, the number of inmates has ballooned to over 6,300. Kot Lakhpat Jail is housing over 3,500 inmates despite a limit of 2,300. Meanwhile, the situation in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi, is among the most critical, with more than 7,100 inmates confined in a space meant for just 2,100.
The extreme summer heat and lack of proper ventilation have worsened the conditions, making life particularly difficult for those lodged in overcrowded barracks. Only nine smaller jails in the province are currently operating below full capacity.
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Officials from the prison department have expressed deep concern over the growing strain on infrastructure, security, and daily prison operations. They noted that overcrowding affects not just living conditions, but also access to healthcare, rehabilitation programs, and food supply management.
In Lahore, there have been long-standing discussions around building a new correctional facility to relieve the pressure on existing jails. However, no visible progress has been made on this front despite repeated proposals.