Troubling statistics: How many Pakistanis are waiting to be hanged?

Comment: It is difficult to comprehend why government of Pakistan has not undertaken any reform of the criminal justice system. Jails in the country are producing more criminals as many of the inhabitants there are innocent but stuck because of a very slow legal system. Injustice festers more crime and lawlessness. The pathetic state of jails is an additional serious problem. The statistics below are troubling. Recently, General Musharraf had taken a positive step to tackle the issue of imprisoned women charged under notorious and unfair Hudood Ordinance - much more needs to be done for encouraging healthy trends in the society.

PAKISTAN: Thousands await gallows in jails
02 Aug 2006 Reuters
Source: IRIN

LAHORE, 2 August (IRIN) - More than 7,400 men and 36 women are waiting in 81 Pakistani jails to be hanged, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has confirmed.

In Punjab, the country's most populous province, more than 5,000 of its 53,000 prisoners face death. Many are serving their time confined to cells measuring just 10 sq metres. Intended for one prisoner, the cells often accommodate up to 10.

Pakistan retains capital punishment by hanging for a range of offences, including murder, drug smuggling, rape, attempted murder, kidnapping and acts of terrorism.

But the number of death sentences handed out annually far exceeds the number of hangings, meaning prisoners could remain in the terrible conditions on death row for up to 10 years, according to cases documented by the HRCP.

IA Rehman, HRCP's director, said capital punishment was "inhumane" and "brutalises society".

Rehman maintained that flaws in the country's judicial system meant many did not receive fair trails.

"It's really sad that there has not been more public concern about the fate of these people," Rehman said, blaming the situation on "an increased acceptance of violence".

This year 253 people, including three women, have been sentenced to death, with 42 hanged. Last year 477 people were sentenced and 52 hanged, while in 2004, 394 were sentenced and 15 hanged.

Although 36 women face the gallows they are unlikely to be executed. Daulat Bibi, the last woman to be hanged, was executed in 1985.