Prisons in Punjab Are Overcrowded by Nearly 70%

The number of inmates in prisons across Punjab, including Lahore, has reached alarming levels, with occupancy rates exceeding capacity by more than 70%. According to official figures, the 45 prisons across the province are designed to house approximately 37,500 inmates, but currently hold over 66,700 prisoners.

In Lahore’s Camp Jail, which was built to accommodate 2,000 inmates, the current prisoner population has surged to over 6,300. Similarly, Kot Lakhpat Jail is holding more than 3,500 inmates, despite having a capacity for only 2,300. In Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, the situation is even worse — with a capacity of 2,100, it currently holds over 7,100 prisoners.

The overcrowding has created serious challenges, particularly during the hot and humid summer months, making it increasingly difficult for inmates to breathe in the crammed barracks. Only nine smaller prisons across the province are currently operating below their full capacity.

Prison officials have raised concerns over the growing inmate population, stating that it is significantly straining jail management and daily operations. In Lahore, proposals for the construction of a new prison have been on the table for several years due to the persistent overcrowding — but no tangible progress has been made on the project so far.