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Institutional Treatment of Adult Offenders in Pakistan

NCJ Number
75986
Author(s)
G S Lalwani
Date Published
Unknown
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Focusing on inmate programs and facility conditions, this article describes the treatment of inmates in Pakistan's correctional institutions.
Abstract
The Inspector General of Prisons directs the administration of the country's prisons in accordance with the Prisons Act of 1894, the Reformatory School Act of 1897, the Prisoners Act of 1900, and general prison rules. Prisoners are classified by age, sex, and offense; however, those who are awaiting trial are often detained with convicted offenders. While no effort is made to provide individual treatment for offenders, opportunities are available for education and vocational training in such areas as carpet- and furnituremaking. Unfortunately, most prisoners are unable to practice these trades upon release. Convicted prisoners are allowed one interview a week with relatives or friends and may send a postcard (at prison expense) and two letters (at the prisoner's expense) each month. On national and religious holidays, inmates may receive presents of food, and other items may be accepted at intervals. Inmates are also allowed to observe religious rituals and conventions without regard to cast or creed; and since the majority of the population is Muslim, a religious leader is provided to Muslim prisoners in each facility. Selected newspapers, magazines, and books are available in prison libraries; and prisoners may own their own reading materials with the permission of the facility superintendent. In general, prison life is run according to fixed rules which cover all inmate activities. Because the prisons are overcrowded, inmates experience no privacy at all. Complaints concerning prison conditions may be addressed to the proper authorities, and voluntary social welfare workers aid pre-trial and released inmates. Every prison has been provided with a hospital for the sick, and food and water are constantly inspected for quality. Finally, parole and probation services are available; efforts are made to involve the community in rehabilitation efforts. References or footnotes are not included.