UPR Recommendation 152.136 (supported): Take the necessary measures to improve detention facilities, including renewing its Prisons Act, which was enacted in 1894. Pakistan’s prison system remains focused on retribution as opposed to rehabilitation of prisoners. Lack of adequate infrastructure and human resources have led to the prevalence of various issues within the prison system which effect human right standards including protection of life, liberty and dignity, prohibition on discrimination, right to health etc. The NCHR at both the federal and provincial levels have conducted visits to prisons in all provinces. Our findings reflect the grave issue of overcrowding in prisons which was further exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through our visit to the District Jail Lahore, it was found that the prison had a capacity of 2,000 individuals however 3,814 prisoners were housed there which led to issues of ventilation, lack of medical facilities and equipment including transportation. It has also been reported that the number of undertrial prisoners continues to increase prison population, which without an increase in resources, exacerbates current human rights inequalities and violations. In Karachi and Lahore, out of 4,181 prisoners, 3,410 are under trial. It has been reported that there are currently only four female prisons in Pakistan due to which women are housed in separate barracks in largely male prisons. 10 This leads to increased vulnerability and discrimination. For example, within District Jail Quetta while recreational activities are available for adult and juvenile men, the same does not apply to women as it is considered difficult to take them out for excursions etc. Additionally, prison budgets remain negligible which leads to issues of sanitation, medical treatment, and human resource. In the past seven years, the post of a psychologist has remained vacant in District Jail Quetta which reflects the lack of state investment in medical treatment for prisoners. The Report on Prison Reform11 developed by MoHR conducted a gap analysis of the Prison Rules by using the Mandela Rules12 and the Bangkok Rules13 on Treatment of Prisoners as the baseline. The Report finds that the Prison Rules do not lay the same emphasis on dignity of persons as international rules do. Additionally, no electronic management systems exist all over Pakistan to deal with prisons including prison population. Moreover, while internationally, prisoners must be transferred to their home district, under the Prison Rules this only becomes mandatory 30 days before the release of the prisoner. With regards to medical treatment as well, while prisoners are screened for physical and mental health issues, this treatment does not continue. The Prison Rules also do not deal with the issue of overcrowding or the 'More Than 1600 Women Prisoners In 99 Different Jails In Pakistan - Islamabad Post' (Islamabad Post, 2020) <https://islamabadpost.com.pk/more-than-1600-women-prisoners-in-99-different-jails-in-pakistan/>. 10 “Plight of Women in Prisons in Pakistan,” (mohr.gov.pk) <https://www.mohr.gov.pk/SiteImage/Misc/files/Prison%20Report_1pbleed_pq.pdf> 11 Mandela Rules are the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners and emphasise the provision of health care for prisoners as a responsibility of the State. 12 13 Bangkok Rules have been established to establish minimum standard of protection for women prisoners. 4