Jail & Prison Vs Correctional Facility

“Individuals in confinement are human too. Even in the aftermath of a mistake or criminal act, they merit a chance at redemption through penance and reform. Allowing them to emerge with a renewed perspective underscores the fundamental belief in the potential for personal transformation. The legal and judicial systems of every nation endeavor to uphold peace and justice, necessitating the punishment of the guilty.

However, the spectrum of human experience extends beyond mere punishment and reward. Whether an individual is a wrongdoer facing severe consequences or a virtuous soul being rewarded, a compassionate and loving approach should be extended to both. Those who have engaged in malevolent actions may, in fact, require even more love and understanding to facilitate their healing. The adage ‘an eye for an eye’ risks plunging the world into perpetual darkness.

Pakistan boasts 99 operational prisons, and the roots of its prison system can be traced back to British India. Inheriting this system as a colonial legacy, Pakistan currently detains approximately 77,275 individuals, surpassing the authorized capacity of 57,742 prisoners nationwide.

It is common for people to use the terms jail, prison, and correctional facility interchangeably, assuming they denote the same concept. However, these institutions serve distinct purposes and cater to different criminal activities. Regrettably, Pakistan lacks dedicated correction centers.

The disparity between prisons and correctional facilities lies in their objectives. While prisons confine individuals for serious crimes, correctional facilities focus on rehabilitating the confined individuals. The aim is to rectify and rehabilitate, with prisons serving as punitive measures. The correctional facility’s objectivity is to correct and reintegrate individuals into society.

Prisons provide an avenue for criminals to reform themselves and reintegrate into society on a path of righteousness. Linked to correctional facilities, prisons offer various opportunities, including classrooms, libraries, and places of worship. These initiatives aim to guide prisoners towards prosperity and nurture their humane qualities.

The fundamental rights of prisoners encompass humane treatment, protection from cruel and unusual punishment, freedom from sexual crimes or harassment, access to the courts, medical care, and protection against racial discrimination.

Pakistan is in dire need of correctional centers or facilities that promote positive change in the lives of prisoners, offering them a chance to evolve into better individuals while in confinement. When a child inquires about their absent father, the response should be one of hope and anticipation: ‘Your father is in a correctional center and will return soon.’”