History
The Punjab Prisons Department has evolved from a colonial prison system into a modern correctional institution focused on secure custody, rehabilitation and the reintegration of offenders into society.
Pakistan inherited its prison system from the British colonial administration. During the eighteenth century, imprisonment gradually replaced corporal punishment as a more humane method of punishment. It was believed that confinement would encourage reflection, repentance and ultimately the reformation of offenders.
The Punjab Prisons Department was formally established in 1854 for the custody, care and control of prisoners confined in central, district and special prisons throughout the province. Dr. C. Hathaway was appointed as the first Inspector General of Prisons.
Over the years, Punjab Prisons has evolved from a purely custodial institution into a modern correctional service. Today, the Department places equal emphasis on security, prisoner welfare, education, vocational training and rehabilitation to help offenders become productive members of society after their release.
The following prisons were already functional before the enactment of the Prisons Act, 1894.
| Prison | Established | Prison | Established |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Jail Gujranwala | 1854 | District Jail Multan | 1872 |
| District Jail Jhelum | 1854 | District Jail Shahpur | 1873 |
| District Jail Rajanpur | 1860 | District Jail Faisalabad | 1873 |
| District Jail Sialkot | 1865 | Borstal Institution & Juvenile Jail Bahawalpur | 1882 |
Punjab Prisons Today
Punjab Prisons currently operates 45 functional prisons across the province. These include 2 High Security Prisons, 9 Central Jails, 27 District Jails, 2 Borstal Institutions & Juvenile Jails, 1 Women Jail, 1 Special Prison, and 3 Sub Jails. In addition, 6 new prisons are presently under construction to meet future correctional and security requirements.
Explore Prison History
Learn more about the historical development of different prison categories across Punjab.
HSP & Central Jails
Explore the history and development of High Security and Central Jails in Punjab.
District Jails
Learn about the establishment and historical evolution of District Jails across Punjab.
Other Jails
View information about Women Jails, Special Prisons, Borstal Institutions and other correctional facilities.