Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi says a humane and effective prison system is essential to ensure a fair legal framework.

He was chairing a consultative meeting on prison reforms in Lahore.

The Chief Justice expressed serious concern on overcrowding in the country's prisons, describing the situation as alarming.

Justice Yahya Afridi said the total prison capacity across the country is 66,625, while the number of inmates stands at 108,643.

He said in Punjab, the prison capacity is 36,365, but there are currently 67,837 prisoners, with 36,128 awaiting trial.

Chief Justice emphasized the need for urgent action to address these issues, marking this meeting as the first step in reforming the prison system.