The Punjab Prisons Department has submitted a detailed report to the Lahore High Court, revealing that thousands of inmates in the province’s jails are drug users. According to the report, 3,873 prisoners tested positive for narcotics use, while 6,293 inmates tested negative. A total of 10,166 drug tests were conducted in Punjab’s prisons during 2025. 

The report stated that, following directives from the Lahore High Court, a formal screening system has been introduced to identify drug-dependent prisoners. Separate blocks have been established in each jail to house inmates struggling with substance abuse. Punjab enforces tougher drug laws under new ordinance To curb drug smuggling inside prisons, the department has decided to install body scanners. 

The report also recommended assigning responsibility for the social rehabilitation of addicted prisoners to the Health and Social Welfare Departments. The document further disclosed that 72 percent of inmates in Punjab’s prisons are under trial. The total prison population across the province stands at 70,739, with an average of 7,500 prisoners produced in courts daily. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)