Community Based Rehabilitation of Offenders; an Overview of Probation and Parole System in Pakistan

Mazhar Hussain Bhutta

Abstract
Community based rehabilitation of offenders (probation and parole system) has got
tremendous significance in criminal justice system as the world has sharply moved away
from retributive to rehabilitative justice. The author has tried to explore the gaps between the
concept, comparing and contrasting it with “what works” in the situation of probation and
parole systems in Pakistan. There are many stipulated rules available in the country for
release of offenders on probation and parole. Correctional treatment of offenders being on
probation and parole has been assigned to Reclamation and Probation departments in all four
provinces of Pakistan which are, unfortunately, facing almost the same problems in legal,
financial, professional and technical matters. Above all, probation and parole officers lack
professional orientation, conceptual clarity, motivational work environment, innovative
correctional skills and training. It reveals the fact that the probation and parole system has
been a neglected area of criminal justice system in Pakistan. Research-based suggestions for
reinvigorating the probation and parole system in Pakistan are also included.

Keywords: Probation and Parole System, Alternative to Prison, Community Based Rehabilitation, Offender’s Reintegration, Rehabilitation Justice, Criminal and Community, Criminal Justice and Public Safety.