Inmates exposed to diseases in overcrowded jails: HRW.

ISLAMABAD -- A damning report issued by Human Rights Watch on Pakistani prisons has spotlighted severe overcrowding in jails, which has compounded existing health deficiencies in prisons.

The overcrowding makes inmates vulnerable to communicable diseases and leaves them without access to medicine and treatment for even basic health needs, according to the HRW report.

The report, titled 'A Nightmare for Everyone', highlighted humAan rights abuses, such as torture, class divide, insanitary living conditions, lack of legal aid, discrimination against women, and poor quality of food in jails.

According to the report, more than 88,650 inmates are languishing in 116 prisons having an approved capacity of 65,168.

'The number of designated posts for medical officers for all prisons in Pakistan is 193, but as of 2020, 105 of these posts were vacant,' the report revealed.

The watchdog cited a number of instances where under-trial prisoners passed away after jail authorities failed to provide basic healthcare. Even in serious cases, jail officials frequently deny requests for medical treatment outside the prison, fearing such 'visits [could be used] as an excuse to request bail on medical grounds'.

The HRW report added that proper healthcare facilities and the presence of medical officers were necessary because a large number of prisoners are over the age of 60.

According to the report, the jail superintendent 'acts as a viceroy' and the medical officer responsible for the well-being and hygiene of inmates is without any authority.

'I am legally responsible for ensuring that the prison has supplies for medicines and also that precautions are taken to prevent overcrowding. However, in practice, even a Panadol tablet [pain reliever] has to be signed off by the superintendent,' the report quoted a health officer from Punjab as saying.

Prisoners with mental health conditions are 'particularly at risk of abuse', the rights watchdog said. It cited at least three studies that showed mental health issues, especially depression and anxiety, were common among prisoners.

'Under section 466 of the Criminal Procedure Code, detainees may be kept in a psychiatric hospital for involuntary treatment until the institution signs...