Jostling for Rehabilitation: The Plight of Prisons and Prisoners in Pakistan

Furad Ali1 , Muhammad Ibrar2 & Naqeeb Hussain Shah3

Abstract
This paper delineates the inhuman practices and the incongruous conditions of prisons in Pakistan. Furthermore, it critically analyzes the present-day prisons, its environment and the treatment of prisoners. This study is conducted in four selected prisons of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa using qualitative research methods i.e. observation, interviews and key informant interviews. Purposive sampling was carried out for the selection of respondents. Thematic analysis was preferred for the illustration of empirical data. The pragmatic data divulges that prisoners are not treated in the way to rehabilitate them. The factors responsible for their plight are unhygienic food and water, filthy environment of barracks, poor sanitation,
toilets, bathrooms and deteriorated condition of barracks, kitchens and accommodation portrayed the predicament of prisons. The obstacles in the way of rehabilitation are hard punishment, non-availability of educational, technical and vocational training and joint detention of first offenders with hardcore criminals. Young adults were assaulted physically, morally and sometimes sexually.

Keywords: Rehabilitation, incarceration, solitary confinement, hardcore criminal,
offenders, prison.