On 12th December 2024, the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mr. Justice Yahya Afridi, presided over an important meeting at the Supreme Court Branch Registry Karachi, focusing on jail reforms in Sindh. The meeting aimed to address critical challenges within the correctional system and explore systemic solutions. Chief Justice Afridi emphasised the need for a collective approach to ensure inmates are treated humanely and in accordance with the law. He also highlighted the importance of prioritising cases involving inmates awaiting decisions for over three years and proposed the development of mechanisms to expedite such cases.
The meeting was attended by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui, Chief Justice of the High Court of Sindh; Mr. Justice Irshad Ali Shah (Retd.), Former Judge of the High Court of Sindh; the Secretaries of the Home and Law Departments; the Inspector General of Police; the Inspector General of Prisons; the Superintendent of Central Jail; Members of the Provincial Assembly, Mr. Abdul Razzaq Raja and Mr. Sheikh Abdullah; and Barrister Haya Emaan Zahid, CEO of the Legal Aid Society.
A key outcome of the meeting was the formation of a Sub-Committee for Sindh Province, tasked with evaluating the current state of prisons and proposing a comprehensive reform package. The Sub-Committee will be led by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Irshad Ali Shah (Retd.), with Barrister Haya Emaan Zahid as its Coordinator, and Mr. Abdul Razzaq Raja and Mr. Sheikh Abdullah as Members. The Sub-Committee will also include representatives from the Inspector General of Prisons Sindh and the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP).
The committee’s mandate includes developing actionable recommendations to address challenges faced by prisoners, introducing rehabilitative programs such as vocational training, mental health support, and educational initiatives, and devising strategies for reintegration after release. The Sub-Committee will also draw on the strengths of successful provincial models to encourage their replication across other provinces. The final recommendations will form an integral part of the National Jail Reform Policy, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach.
Earlier during his visit to the Supreme Court Branch Registry Karachi, the Chief Justice stressed the need for exemplary service to litigants. He directed that all litigants be treated courteously and efficiently and ordered the establishment of a front desk to ensure respect and dignity in handling their concerns. Any complaints regarding rude behavior would result in disciplinary action. The Chief Justice also assured staff that their grievances, including promotion and service-related matters, would be addressed as long as they maintained high standards of service delivery and courtesy. The Registrar will visit the Registry regularly to address staff concerns.