Adiala Jail Superintendent Urges Completion of District Jail Islamabad

Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi is facing severe overcrowding issues, with the prison currently holding 7,000 accused individuals despite having a capacity for only 2,174 inmates. The jail administration recently apologized for not being able to accommodate individuals detained under the anti-beggary law due to the overcrowded conditions.

Superintendent Asad Javed Warraich highlighted the challenges faced by the prison, citing the presence of a significant number of beggars who are injured, disabled, or addicted to drugs. He emphasized the urgent need for the completion of District Jail Islamabad to alleviate the overcrowding at Adiala Jail.

Begging has unfortunately become a prevalent 'career' in Pakistan, with an estimated 25 million professional beggars among the population of 170 million. Economic hardships, high unemployment rates, and low literacy levels have contributed to the proliferation of beggars across towns and cities in the country.

The issue of overcrowding at Adiala Jail is not new, as past visits by political figures have highlighted the dire situation. Despite efforts to address the problem, the prison continues to operate well above its capacity, with more than 6,000 inmates recorded during a Senate panel visit last year.

The overcrowding at Adiala Jail underscores the urgent need for improved facilities and alternative arrangements for individuals detained under various laws. Addressing the root causes of begging and implementing effective social welfare measures are crucial steps towards alleviating this societal challenge and reducing the burden on already overcrowded prisons.