Islamabad: The number of female prisoners in Pakistan has increased by 2.8 %, which reflects the growing trends of crime in women. The shocking disclosure was made in the National Assembly, where the Ministry of Human Rights submitted a written report that details the latest statistics.
According to the report, a total of 2,084 women have been imprisoned all over the country for various crimes. The trend of growing female prisoners has been recorded since 2019, which has increased by 2.8 % since 2023.
The report further highlights that a significant number of these women are behind bars on drug crimes and murder charges.
The document also revealed that there are only four dedicated women prisons in Pakistan. Sindh is ahead with three operational facilities in Karachi, Hyderabad and the score, while Punjab has a women’s jail in Multan.
However, in most cases, female prisoners are kept in separate barracks in male prisons, raising questions about security and proper facilities.
The report emphasizes that many women face serious challenges in the criminal justice system, which have called their restoration and fair treatment an important issue.
On May 22, 2024, Chief Minister Punjab Nawaz Sharif took a historic decision to address these challenges. It approved the establishment of two new women’s prisons in Faisalabad and Rawalpindi, ensuring that these prisons would be constructed outside the cities for better administration and security.
During a high level meeting, the CM of Punjab expressed serious concerns over external criminal contacts from inside the prisons. It ordered the authorities to implement fool -proof cybercopy measures to prevent illegal activities within the prisons.
In addition, he directed the formation of a comprehensive jail reform plan to improve the prison conditions and security protocols.
In the same meeting, Maryam Nawaz also approved a plan to improve Bakhshi Khanas and lockup across Punjab, which ensures better facilities and safety of female prisoners.
