Sign in Subscribe
Murder

Pakistan's Death Row: Overcrowding and Human Rights Abuses in the Country's Prisons

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan reports that more than 7,400 men and 36 women are waiting in 81 Pakistani jails to be hanged, with many facing death sentences for murders, drug smuggling, and acts of terrorism. In Punjab, over 5,000 of the 53,000 prisoners face death, with some serving time in cells measuring just 10 sq metres that often accommodate up to 10 prisoners. Those on death row are restricted in terms of time for exercise and access to facilities, leading to inhumane conditions. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and Amnesty International (AI) have raised concerns about the flaws in the country's judicial system, arbitrary detention, and lack of fair trials.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 7,400 men and 36 women are waiting in 81 Pakistani jails to be hanged, with many facing death sentences for serious crimes.
  • In Punjab, more than 5,000 of the 53,000 prisoners face death, with some serving time in severely overcrowded cells.
  • Death row prisoners are restricted in terms of exercise time and access to facilities, leading to inhumane living conditions.
  • The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and Amnesty International (AI) have raised concerns about the flaws in the country's judicial system and lack of fair trials.
  • IA Rehman, HRCP's director, has stated that capital punishment is "inhumane" and "brutalises society".
  • President Pervez Musharraf has recently turned down appeals for clemency for eight prisoners, paving the way for their hangings.
  • This year, 253 people, including three women, have been sentenced to death, with 42 hanged. Last year, 477 people were sentenced and 52 hanged.
  • In 2004, 394 were sentenced and 15 hanged.
  • The last woman to be hanged in Pakistan was Daulat Bibi, who was executed in 1985.

Statistics:

  • 7,440 men and 36 women are waiting in 81 Pakistani jails to be hanged.
  • 5,000 of the 53,000 prisoners in Punjab face death sentences.
  • 253 people, including three women, have been sentenced to death this year, with 42 hanged.
  • In last year, 477 people were sentenced to death, with 52 hanged.
  • In 2004, 394 people were sentenced to death, with 15 hanged.
  • 42 hangings have taken place this year.
  • 15 people were hanged in 2004.

Sources:

  • IRIN, the UN information unit
  • Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP)
  • Amnesty International (AI)
  • Pakistan Press International (PPI)

Read more