Three prisoners have reportedly died 'mysteriously' in Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail in one day.
Reports said that the deceased included 24-year-old Naveed, 36-year-old Ghulam Rasool and 40-year-old Adnan.
According to the jail authorities, the prisoners died due to illness.
All three prisoners were imprisoned in Kot Lakhpat Jail for their involvement in serious crimes. The prison administration has shifted their bodies to the Jinnah Hospital.
The situation of prisons in Punjab is complex and marked by both challenges and ongoing efforts for improvement. Some of the challenges facing the prisons are:
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Overcrowding: Prisons in Punjab are notoriously overcrowded, often exceeding their intended capacity by two or even three times. This leads to cramped and unsanitary conditions, increasing the risk of disease and violence among inmates.
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Poor living conditions: Many prisons lack adequate ventilation, lighting, and sanitation facilities. Food and water quality can also be poor, leading to malnutrition and health problems.
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Limited access to healthcare: Inmates often lack access to proper medical care, including specialized treatment for chronic illnesses or mental health issues.
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Human rights concerns: Reports of torture, mistreatment, and denial of legal assistance have been documented in some Punjab prisons, raising concerns about human rights violations.
Successive Punjab governments have launched several initiatives to improve prison conditions, including:
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- Construction of new premises: To address overcrowding, new prisons are being built in the province.
- Improvement of existing facilities: Efforts are underway to improve sanitation, hygiene, and healthcare facilities in existing prisons.
- Prison reforms: The government is working on prison reforms to address issues like overcrowding, access to justice, and rehabilitation programs for inmates.
- Civil society involvement: Several NGOs and human rights organizations are working to improve prison conditions in Punjab. They advocate for better treatment of inmates, provide legal assistance, and monitor prison conditions.
A 2023 report by Human Rights Watch documented the dire conditions in some Punjab prisons and called for urgent reforms.
