Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi on Thursday emphasized that protecting prisoners' rights is a fundamental component of the justice system, asserting that improving prison conditions is a constitutional responsibility of provincial governments. He made these remarks while addressing the National Conference on Prison Reforms held at the Supreme Court.
Conference Participants
The conference was attended by the chief ministers of all four provinces, chief justices of the Islamabad High Court, Lahore High Court, Peshawar High Court, Balochistan High Court, and Sindh High Court, the Chief Justice of the Federal Shariat Court, as well as senior police and prison officials. Justice Afridi welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in reforming the prison system.
Key Priorities for Prison Reform
Justice Afridi stressed that safeguarding the rights of inmates must remain a priority within the criminal justice system. He specifically highlighted the need to ensure access to healthcare and clean drinking water in prisons, noting that these basic necessities are often neglected. He also pointed out that significant progress had been made in reducing the backlog of pending cases, but lasting improvements would come not only through court decisions but through their effective implementation.
Accountability and Effective Justice
The chief justice further stated that accountability within the justice system is being strengthened. He underscored that an effective criminal justice system is essential for the proper functioning of society. The conference aimed to address systemic issues and propose actionable reforms for prison administration across Pakistan.
