Summary The chief justice emphasized that safeguarding the rights of inmates must remain a priority
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi has said that protecting prisoners' rights is a fundamental component of the justice system, stressing that improving prison conditions is a constitutional responsibility of the provincial governments.
Speaking at the National Conference on Prison Reforms held at the Supreme Court on Thursday, the chief justice welcomed participants, including the chief ministers of all four provinces, chief justices of the Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Balochistan and Sindh high courts, the Chief Justice of the Federal Shariat Court, and senior police and prison officials.
The chief justice emphasized that safeguarding the rights of inmates must remain a priority within the criminal justice system. He also underscored the need to ensure access to healthcare and clean drinking water in prisons.
Justice Afridi noted that significant progress had been made in reducing the backlog of pending cases, but said lasting improvements in the justice system would come not only through court decisions but through their effective implementation.
He further stated that accountability within the justice system is being strengthened, adding that an effective criminal justice system is essential for the functioning of any society.
