Death row inmates at Central Jail Hyderabad are grappling with mental health challenges, emphasizing the need for enhanced healthcare services, according to the Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC). SHRC Chairperson Iqbal Ahmed Detho and legal team member Barrister Rida Tahir visited the prison on Monday to evaluate the living conditions of incarcerated individuals.
As per SHRC statistics, 248 prisoners at the facility face death sentences, with appeals for 88 inmates still awaiting hearings in higher courts. “Alarmingly, many inmates are reportedly suffering from mental health issues, underscoring the urgent need for better medical care, psychological support, and referrals to tertiary mental health facilities for rehabilitation,” noted Detho. He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to safeguarding the dignity and rights of death row prisoners in accordance with human rights standards and the Supreme Courtβs guidelines in the Safia Bano case.
The commission called for regular inspections to ensure that prisons across the province adhere to legal and human rights obligations. Several issues were identified and communicated to prison authorities during the visit.
The SHRC also recommended relocating prisoners from the Mirpurkhas division, currently held in Hyderabad, to Central Jail Mirpurkhas. Additionally, it urged the provincial government to upgrade Dadu District Prison to central jail status, enabling the transfer of inmates from Hyderabad to Dadu.
Highlighting infrastructure concerns, the SHRC stressed the need for timely completion of new facilities for juvenile and women prisoners at Central Jail Hyderabad. Currently, these groups are housed in older, inadequate structures.
