Arrested or in prison in Pakistan

The British high commission or deputy high commission in Pakistan can offer help but will not be able to get you out of prison or get you special treatment because you’re British. Find out what help the high commission or deputy high commission can offer.

Family and friends can contact:

• the British high commission or deputy high commission in
• the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000

British High Commission Islamabad

British Deputy High Commission Karachi

Finding a lawyer and translator

Find a lawyer in Pakistan

You should carefully consider getting a local lawyer. Discuss all costs with them in advance.

Prisoners Abroad has information on appointing a lawyer and legal aid (not specific to Pakistan).

Private lawyers

Check the list of local English-speaking lawyers if you want to appoint your own private lawyer. Ask the British high commission or deputy high commission if you need a paper copy.

Private lawyers usually ask for partial payment in advance. You should discuss the costs with any lawyer that you are considering hiring.

There are no court costs to pay in criminal cases. In a civil case, you need to pay court fees.

Legal aid

Legal aid is not available from the government.

Some Non-Governmental Organisation/s may provide legal aid.

Court-appointed lawyers

If you do not appoint your own private lawyer, you can ask for a court-appointed lawyer.

If you cannot afford a lawyer, you are entitled to be defended by a state lawyer in the trial court. There is no formal application process. You should inform the police or the court if you cannot afford a lawyer.

Find a translator or interpreter in Pakistan

You may need a translator to help you read Urdu documents about your case.

Do not sign any documents unless you understand them.

You might need an interpreter to help you communicate with your lawyer or at your trial, or for prison visits.

See our list of English-speaking translators or interpreters in Pakistan.

What happens when you’re arrested in Pakistan

You can be arrested and taken to a local police station:

• because a formal complaint has been registered against you – this is called a ‘first information report’ (FIR)
• if you’re caught in the act of performing a crime

Depending on how serious the crime is, the police may or may not need to go to a magistrate to get a warrant before arresting you.

If you are aware of an FIR against you, but have not been arrested, you may be able to go to court to apply for pre-arrest bail.

When you are arrested, the police must tell you why you have been arrested and show you a copy of the complaint against you. If you are arrested before an FIR has been produced, it must be produced within 24 hours.

Do not sign any documents unless you understand them. There are no official interpretation services at police stations, but English is widely understood by senior police officers.

Your rights

You have the right to get advice from a lawyer before answering questions or making a statement, but the lawyer is not allowed to be present during questioning. You are responsible for arranging and paying for a lawyer at this stage. A state appointed lawyer will not be provided before the trial.

You do not have a legal right to make a phone call, but you may be allowed to, depending on the police station. You will be more likely to be allowed to make a phone call if you have Pakistani nationality. Phone calls are limited to domestic numbers.

While you are held at the police station, you will be provided with food and water. If you have been mistreated or need to see a doctor, you can raise this with the magistrate. Magistrates have the power to order medical examinations.

If your rights are not complied with, you can raise this at a court hearing directly or through your lawyer.

How long you can be held for

You can be detained by a police officer and kept in custody in a police station for a maximum period of 24 hours after being arrested. After 24 hours, you must be produced before a magistrate, who will decide whether you should be kept for longer. You can be kept at the police station for a maximum of 15 days in total. After this time, you will be transferred to prison or released on bail.

There are exceptions to this time limit if you are arrested under certain laws. You should seek legal advice if you are concerned about how long you are being held by the police.

Personal belongings

When you are arrested, the police will take any personal belongings you have with you and store them. They will give you a receipt. When you are released, you can approach the court to have your possessions returned.

Going to court

Court proceedings normally take place in Urdu. However, lawyers generally understand both English and Urdu so they can interpret for you if required. Interpreters can also be provided by the court.

You must be taken to court within 24 from when you’re arrested. At court a magistrate will decide what happens next. You can be accompanied by your lawyer if you have one, but a state-appointed lawyer will not be provided at this stage. You will not usually be allowed to speak at the first hearing.

The magistrate will decide if you’ll:

• be kept in police custody for longer
• be moved to prison (judicial remand)
• be released on bail

If the magistrate decides you can be kept in police custody for longer, you will appear in court again after this time. This process can be repeated several times.

Being put on remand

You may be put on remand if you’re suspected of committing an offence. This means you’ll be put in prison while you wait for the criminal investigation and trial to finish.

You will be transferred to prison immediately when the decision is made to put you on remand.

Prisoners on remand and sentenced prisoners are kept in separate accommodation within the same prisons. Rights and conditions are generally similar.

How long you can be on remand for

There is no strict limit on how long you can be remanded in prison. If you are not released on bail, you could spend 2 or 3 years in prison before your trial concludes.

You or your lawyer can oppose the order to hold you on remand.

Bail

Offences are classified as ‘bailable’ or ‘non-bailable’.

For bailable offences, you may be released on bail as a right.

For non-bailable offences, whether bail is granted depends on the circumstances of the case. If the court considers that there are insufficient or no grounds for believing that you have committed the offence, you can be released on bail.

If there are reasonable grounds for believing that you are guilty of a non-bailable offence punishable with death or imprisonment for life or imprisonment for 10 years, you cannot be released on bail.

There is an exception to this if the trial is delayed for reasons outside your control and you have remained in continuous detention.

For offences not punishable with death, bail can be granted if a man has been detained for more than one year or if a woman has been detained for more than six months.

For offences punishable with death, bail can be granted if a man has been detained for more than two years or if a woman has been detained for more than one year.

The court has the power to refuse bail and to decide bail conditions. You may or may not be banned from travelling or required to surrender your passport.

Bail is normally paid in the form of surety bonds. This means letters are deposited at the court by someone who agrees that their property will be transferred to the state if you do not adhere to your bail conditions. A lawyer can help with this process. The amount is set by the court on a case by case basis and may not be affordable.

The high commission or deputy high commission cannot transfer bail funds for you.

Arriving at prison

When you arrive at the prison, you will be received by the assistant superintendent.  The police must present a warrant or court order addressed to the superintendent.

Before admission into the prison, you will be questioned by the assistant superintendent to check that you name and other details match the warrant. The police will be given a receipt.

You will be thoroughly searched at the main gate of the prison under the supervision of the assistant superintendent. You will be required to wash yourself and your clothes.

You do not have a legal right to make a phone call on arrival, but you may be allowed to depending on the prison. You will be more likely to be allowed to make a phone call if you have Pakistani nationality. Phone calls are limited to domestic numbers.

Newly admitted prisoners can be kept in quarantine for up for five days.

Your next-of-kin will not generally be told you’re in prison.

Personal belongings

Any belongings you have with you will be confiscated and stored. Details are entered in the admission register.

If you rely on medication that you have brought with you, you will be allowed to keep it. You can also keep toiletries to use in prison.

Your prison cell

Prisoners can be kept in cells, rooms or barracks. Most prisoners are held in barracks. Overcrowding is a common problem, but the severity of this varies. Cells designed for a maximum of three people have been used to hold up to 15.

You will be provided with blankets and a pillow by the jail. You are also allowed to receive a mattress, blankets, and pillows from family. You will have access to toilets and washbasins within the room or enclosure.

Sentenced prisoners and prisoners on remand are held separately, but conditions are generally similar. Accommodation for prisoners on remand tends to be more crowded.

Men, women and juvenile prisoners are always accommodated separately. In some cases, children up to the age of 6 remain with their mothers in prison.

Contacting the British high commission or deputy high commission

Tell the prison if you want the British high commission or deputy high commission to know you’re in prison.

Medical check-up

A medical officer will will give you a check-up within 24 hours of being in prison. They will record the result of this.

Tell the medical officer about any medical conditions you already have. The medical officer will decide if you need a special diet or any other medical treatment.

Contact the British high commission or deputy high commission if you need help getting your medical notes from the UK.

Rights and responsibilities in prison

The prison rules will be explained when you arrive at the prison and are displayed on signs around the prison.

You can earn remissions (reductions in your sentence) for good behaviour. Punishments for breaking the rules include solitary confinement and loss of remissions.

Visits from family or friends

Intro to prison visits rules for that country, for example:

Your family, friends and lawyer are allowed to visit you in prison.

Visits are at the discretion of the prison authorities and the prison rules, so rules may vary depending on the prison.

You or your family or friends can ask your lawyer, or the prison directly, about the rules.

How many visits you’re allowed

When someone contacts the prison to arrange to visit you, the prison authorities will tell them which days and times they are allowed to visit. Specific days of the week are allocated for different categories of detainees.

Newly convicted prisoners are allowed reasonable facilities for communicating with friends, relatives and legal advisers. This is so they can prepare an appeal or revision, try to get bail and arrange for the management of their property or other family affairs.

The superintendent may allow additional visits in special circumstances, for example if you are seriously ill or a close relative has died.

According to the prison rules, no more than 6 people can visit at one time.

Arranging visits

Anyone who wants to visit you should contact the prison directly to arrange this.

They do not need a permit, but they should bring photo ID.

Most visits take place as planned, but there may be delays or cancellations if high profile officials are visiting the jail. Visitors should check with the jail before travelling.

During the visit

Visitors will need to show photo ID, for example a passport, driving licence or national identity card. They will be searched when they arrive at the prison.

Prisons have designated areas for prisoners and visitors to meet. Arrangements vary depending on the prison. Usually, prisoners and visitors will be separated by a wall with a grille.

Visits normally last up to 30 minutes. Depending on the jail, visitors may be allowed to stay for up to an hour if they have travelled a long distance.

Guards stay nearby and watch during visits for security, but they do not listen in to conversations.

What visitors can take with them

Visitors can bring items to give to prisoners. The prison authorities decide what is allowed. Food, reading materials, medicines and clothing are generally allowed. Offensive reading materials, electronic devices and sharp objects are prohibited.

All items will be checked by prison authorities before being handed over. If you have any questions about bringing a specific item, you should contact the prison.

Visitors can keep their own cash but cannot give it to prisoners.

Visits from British high commission or deputy high commission staff

A member of the consular section will visit you as soon as possible after receiving permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the jail authorities. We will apply for consular access as soon as we hear of your detention.

It takes at least a month for us to get the necessary approval from Pakistani authorities to visit. Sometimes it takes longer than a month to get approval. We can sometimes arrange to speak to you by telephone instead of in person. This still requires approval from the Government of Pakistan, which takes around a month.

We will try to visit you every three months, depending on availability of staff and permission from the relevant authorities. We will continue to visit you unless you ask us not to. We cannot contact you directly outside of these visits, but we can ask the jail or your friends or family to pass on the message that we are intending to visit.

We can try to visit you earlier if we have concerns about your health or welfare, but all visits take at least a month to arrange. 

We do not normally support dual British nationals living or travelling in the country of their other nationality. This means that we would not normally visit you if you are a dual British-Pakistani national in Pakistan. We may decide to make an exception if we consider that you are vulnerable because of your specific circumstances, and there are special humanitarian or human rights reasons. These circumstances might include if you are at risk of the death penalty. If we are visiting you due to exceptional circumstances, we will stop visiting if these circumstances change, for example if you are no longer facing the death penalty.

You can write to us at any time about issues you’re concerned about. If it is urgent, it may be quicker to ask prison authorities to contact us on your behalf. You can also ask friends or family to contact us on your behalf.

Money

The British high commission and deputy high commission do not provide financial assistance to prisoners.

Money transfers from family or friends

Your friends and family can deposit money with the prison to be added to your account. They should check the process with the prison authorities.

They cannot send you cash directly in the post.

Prison accounts

You are allowed to receive money to buy items such as food, clothing and comforts. The money is held in trust by the superintendent in an account of private money. Money received and purchases made are recorded in a register. You will not be allowed to handle cash while you are in prison. At the time of release, any balance remaining will be handed over to you.

How to make a complaint about mistreatment

The British high commission or deputy high commission can help if you have been mistreated or abused – it will take all complaints seriously. Tell it first if you decide to make a complaint. It will ask your permission before taking any action.

You can also raise your allegations with the Pakistani authorities.

If you were tortured or mistreated on arrest, or in the first few days after arrest, the quickest way to raise this is at the first mandatory appearance at court. The magistrate can pass an order for a medical check and take appropriate action to ensure your welfare as well as request an investigation into the allegations.

If you are tortured or mistreated in prison, raise any concerns with the prison authorities if you feel safe to do so. If you do not feel safe to do this, ask your lawyer for advice on legal channels.

Your lawyer can advise on other ways of raising an allegation with appropriate authorities.

Your lawyer or family can contact the National Commission for Human Rights if they want to raise concerns. You can also write to them directly.

The National Commission for Human Rights is mandated to investigate human rights violations.

Your investigation and trial in Pakistan

The Pakistani judicial system is based on the UK common law system. However, the systems have evolved separately and there are significant differences. The legal system in Pakistan also incorporates elements of Islamic law.

Criminal law is the same in all provinces in Pakistan. Verdicts and sentences are always decided by judges. Your case will be heard in a trial court, where the verdict will be decided by a single judge. If you appeal, the appeal will be heard in a different court and the decision could then be made by a bench of 2 or 3 judges.

At the start of your trial, you can plead “guilty” or “not guilty”.

Long delays in legal proceedings are common. It usually takes between 2 and 3 years for a verdict to be reached.

During the trial, you must be present at court every 2 weeks.

You may be released on bail while you are awaiting trial or during the trial. If you are not released on bail, you will be kept in prison.

The British high commission or deputy high commission cannot interfere with the Pakistani judicial system. They cannot ask for your case to be judged more quickly just because you are British or ask the authorities to waive any penalties.

Choice of court

There are different types of court which specialise in different types of crime. The court your case will be heard in depends on which laws you are charged under. If you are not sure which court your case will be heard in, you should check with your lawyer.

Completion of investigations

Before the trial, the police investigate the charges against you.

The police must submit an enquiry report (called a ‘challan’) with their initial findings within 14 days of charges being made against you. This period can be extended with agreement from the court and it usually takes 4 to 6 weeks for the trial to begin.

The trial begins when the enquiry report is submitted.

Trial

Unless you are released on bail, you will be detained in prison during the trial.

The trial takes place over the course of multiple hearings. There will generally be a hearing every 2 weeks during your trial, and you will be presented at court. The stages of the trial are described below. At some hearings, the trial will progress through these stages, but proceedings can be delayed for various reasons. In total, your trial is likely to take 2 to 3 years.

At the start of the trial, the judge will read and explain a written order. You will be asked whether you plead guilty or not guilty.

You will be informed of your rights when you are charged. You have a right to be accompanied by a lawyer at this point. Your lawyer or a court-appointed interpreter can translate for you if you do not understand the language.

If you plead guilty, your statement will be recorded, and you can be convicted by the trial judge. If you plead not guilty, the trial begins. The judge can decide to continue the trial instead of convicting you even if you plead guilty, but this is not common.

You will be provided with documents, including a copy of the original complaint, police reports and witness statements.

The prosecution is asked to give evidence. The prosecution and the defence can both apply to the court to summon any person or document.

You have the right to cross-examine any witnesses against you. You can do this personally or through your lawyer. You should be present when the evidence is recorded. However, if there is proof that you have absconded and there is no immediate prospect of your arrest then it can be recorded in your absence.

After the examination of the prosecution witnesses, the court will ask you questions and record your answers, without administering an oath. You are not required to answer the questions, but if you refuse or give false information this may harm your case.

You have a right to give evidence under oath to disprove the charges or allegations, but you are not required to do this.

The prosecution is responsible for proving the case against you beyond the shadow of reasonable doubt.

If you have not given evidence in your defence, the court calls on the prosecution to sum up the case and then asks the defence to reply. If you have given evidence in your own defence, you sum this up first and then the prosecution replies.

Verdict

At the end of the trial, the judge decides whether to acquit or convict you. If you are convicted, the judge decides at the same time what your sentence will be. The judge will record this decision.

Where the court finds that there is no probability of you being convicted of any offence, the court may acquit you at any stage of the trial.

Sentences

If you’re found guilty you’ll be given a sentence. Your sentence will depend on how serious the crime is. Your lawyer can tell you what or how long your sentence might be.

Sentences can include:

• time in prison
• fines
• death

You can be sentenced to simple or rigorous imprisonment for a period of time decided by the judge. Being sentenced to rigorous imprisonment means that you are required to work in prison. If you are sentenced to imprisonment for life, this means 25 years.

You may be required to pay a fine or forfeit property to the government. The court can also order you to pay compensation to the victim or to the victim’s legal heirs. In some cases, compensation can be agreed out of court.

Several offences carry the death penalty in Pakistan. If you are facing charges or are convicted of an offence which carries the death penalty, you should inform the British high commission or deputy high commission. They may be able to support dual nationals in the country of their other nationality these cases.

Corporal punishment is permitted under Pakistani law.

If you do not have Pakistani nationality, you will be deported at the end of your sentence.

Making an appeal

You have the right to appeal against the verdict. You need written permission from the superintendent to submit an appeal.

When you are convicted and admitted to jail, the superintendent must inform you of the time period within which an appeal against the conviction may be filed.

The time limit and where your appeal will be heard depends on the sentence and on which level of court made the original judgment. Appeals can be heard by a magistrate, the sessions court, the high court or the supreme court. Time limits for appeals are between 7 and 60 days. You may be able to appeal at different levels as your case proceeds. You should seek legal advice on what options are available.

You are allowed to meet and consult with relatives, friends and legal counsel to prepare your appeal. You have the option of authorising a relative or agent to submit the appeal on your behalf.

If you do have not have a relative or agent, the superintendent is required to apply to the court for an official copy of the order of conviction and to allow you to prepare your own appeal.

The prosecution also has the right to appeal a judgement. This is fairly common practice.

Prison conditions in Pakistan

Prison conditions depend on the class awarded to a prisoner and also vary from prison to prison.

The NGO Human Rights Watch has described prison conditions as poor. Overcrowding is common. There are problems with inadequate and poor-quality food, unsanitary living conditions, and lack of access to healthcare. Prison healthcare services are overstretched.

Prison conditions can be unhygienic and buildings are often in poor condition. Prisoners are responsible for keeping their own cells clean but overcrowding can make this difficult. Overcrowding and unsanitary conditions increase the risk of infectious diseases.

Convicted prisoners are classified by the government into three classes: A, B and C. This depends on their social status, the seriousness of the crime and previous criminal history.

Prisoners can apply for a class during the trial or after conviction. The final decision is made by the provincial government. Courts may classify prisoners temporarily, pending final orders of the government.

Class A and B prisoners are allowed access to books and newspapers, a television, a table and a chair, a mattress, personal bedding and clothing and food by special permission of the Inspector general of Prisons. Prisoners have to pay for these items or have them provided by family.

Letters and packages

There is generally no limit to the number of letters you can send or receive.

You can also receive packages while you are in prison. Your family and friends can deliver packages directly to the prison or send them by courier.

Letters and packages should be clearly labelled with your name and your father’s name, followed by the address of the jail. If the person sending the letter or package knows your CNIC number, they should also include this.

Receiving packages

Packages are inspected when they arrive at the prison. Certain items may be dissected to make sure that no prohibited items are being hidden and others may be removed. Sharp objects and indecent materials are prohibited. The prison authorities reserve the right to refuse a parcel that does not conform to the prison guidelines. If your friends or family are unsure about sending a particular item, they should check with the prison authorities.

Stamps and stationery

To send letters, you will need to buy envelopes that include the cost of postage. You can request envelopes from the prison authorities and pay the cost from your account with the prison.

You can also request pens and paper from the prison authorities.

Checks on your mail

The prison authorities can read and censor mail before it is allowed in or out of the prison. If they consider that the content of letters is indecent or politically sensitive, it will be censored. This can cause delays and the length of time it takes for letters to be received varies.

Telephone calls

Prisons have telephone booths. You will need to register any numbers that you want to call with the prison. You can make calls within Pakistan but international calls are not allowed. You must pay for calls using your account with the prison. A maximum of 20 minutes per month is allowed.

Medical and dental treatment

Your basic medical needs must be met while you’re detained in Pakistan.

Medical help is available in the prison. There are hospitals and clinics within prisons, but the facilities vary and are often limited. Every prison should have a prison doctor, and some larger prisons also have dentists.

If you need medical treatment or an appointment, you should speak to a guard. How long you will need to wait depends on availability and the nature of the problem. If there is a medical emergency, you should inform a guard, making it clear that it is urgent.

If you need specialised treatment, you may be referred to an external doctor or clinic. This is only allowed with the approval of the prison doctor and prison authorities. In some cases, specialists will visit the prison. If you need glasses, you should ask to see an optician. Requests for medical treatment from external doctors can be denied and treatment is often delayed.

You are responsible for your own medical costs while in prison. If you cannot afford these costs, you should speak to prison authorities. Funds are donated to prisons and can be used to cover these costs if there is no other option available.

Medicine can be prescribed by the prison doctor, but only limited medicines are available from the prison. If you need medicine that is not available in the prison, your family or friends can bring it to you.

The British high commission or deputy high commission can try to make sure the prison knows about any medical or dental issues you have if you want it to. It can also talk to your UK GP to help get your medical records sent to the prison.

Drug and alcohol addiction

Use of drugs is prohibited but does occur in prisons. The prison authorities carry out searches for drugs and other prohibited items. Punishments vary depending on the quantity found. Drug use carries a risk of infectious diseases such as HIV. This is more prevalent in the prison population than in the general population.

Rehab programmes or facilities may be available depending on the prison.

Mental health care

Talk to the prison doctor as soon as possible if you feel you need treatment for your mental health. For example, you have depression or anxiety.

Prison authorities have a limited understanding of mental health, but this is improving. You may have difficulty getting treated or assessed for any mental health problems. Most prisons have psychiatrists.

If you are experiencing serious mental health problems, you may be placed in the prison hospital.

Emergency trips outside prison

You can request an emergency trip outside prison within Pakistan to attend the funeral of a close relative. You will be escorted by police.

If you want to make an emergency trip outside the prison, you should ask the prison authorities. The Home Department will make the final decision on whether to give permission.

Food and diet

The prison authorities will provide you with three meals a day. The food provided includes meat and vegetables. You should not need to supplement your diet in order to remain in good health but standards vary. The portions of food provided depend on your circumstances and are listed in the prison rules.

You can buy some food items from the prison shop. Depending on the facilities available in the jail, you may be allowed to cook you own meals separately. You will be provided with cups, a plate, a spoon, a glass and a mug.

Water is available but may not be safe to drink. Many prisons do not have water filtration systems.

Special diets

All food available in prisons is halal.

A special diet can only be approved on medical grounds with the authority of the prison doctor. This does not happen often.

You may be served a special diet on religious grounds if it is halal and available in the jail, but this is not guaranteed.

In practice, if you have special dietary requirements, you may need to buy food from the prison shop to cook your own food or ask visitors to provide it.

Prison shop

You can buy items such as extra food and toiletries from the prison shop, using your account with the prison. The arrangements and items available vary depending on the prison.

Showers and hygiene

Every barrack has its own set of showers and toilets. These are maintained by the prison authorities. Your access to showers and toilets will not be limited and you will have privacy while using them.

You can keep your own toiletries. They can also be provided by visitors or bought using your account with the prison. If you cannot afford your own or do not have any visitors, the prison will supply basic toiletries.

Work

If you are under trial or have been sentenced to simple imprisonment, you are not required to work. Work is not paid and it is rare for foreign prisoners to work, unless they have been sentenced to rigorous imprisonment.

If you are sentenced to rigorous imprisonment, you are required to work. The superintendent is required to provide suitable labour for every class of prisoners sentenced to rigorous imprisonment. Labour is categorised as hard, medium and light. The length of the working day varies but is generally a few hours.

Prisoners may be employed in the prison factory or in work such as cooking or sweeping within the prison. Convicted prisoners may also be employed outside the prison if this is approved by the Inspector General of Prisons. Prisoners who are residents of a foreign country are not allowed to work outside the prison.

Women can be employed in domestic industries inside the prison. Children are not allowed to work.

Books, languages and activities

There is generally no restriction on interacting with other prisoners.

Foreign prisoners are kept in dedicated barracks where there may be other prisoners who can communicate in English. English is also widely understood by senior prison staff. Language classes are available in some prisons.

Prisons have libraries, where books and newspapers in English and local languages are available. Newspapers are supplied from a list approved by the government. Subject to approval by the superintendent, under trial prisoners are allowed to use their own books and reading material.

Depending on the prison, other cultural and social activities are available. Taking part in these activities is seen positively by the prison authorities.

Televisions are available in barracks in most jails for all classes of prisoners.

Prisoners can also request reading material from Prisoners Abroad through consular staff.

Prisoners Abroad might be able to send some reading material, language textbooks and dictionaries.

Courses and study

All prisoners are given the opportunity to study in prison. You are entitled to a remission (reduction in sentence) for successfully completing a course of study. You can speak to the prison authorities to apply to study. They are then responsible for arranging this.

You do not need to be able to speak the local language in order to study. The prison authorities will accept arrangements for postal studies.

Exercise

Exercise facilities vary depending on the prison.

You are allowed to walk outside for half an hour in the morning and evening. Outdoor games are also allowed for an hour in the evenings under supervision, if conditions permit it. You can play board games inside the barracks.

Regular exercise, including games and physical drills, is organised for juvenile prisoners by the prison authorities. A playground is provided in most jails for these purposes.

Clothing

Prisoners on remand are always allowed to wear their own clothes. According to the prison rules, sentenced prisoners must wear prison clothes but in practice this varies.

If you are required to wear them or you do not have any suitable clothing of your own, you will be issued with prison clothes.

The clothes provided are generally suitable for the weather but may not be warm enough if it is particularly cold.

You can receive clothes, including winter clothes, from visitors. If you do not have visitors who can provide winter clothes, the prison can provide them using donated funds.

Religion

You are entitled to practice your own religion in prison. All prisons have mosques, with Muslim clerics appointed officially by the prison department. Some prisons also have churches. Ministers of different religions visit prisons regularly. Religious books for various religions are available.

Mobile phones

Mobile phones are not allowed.

Transfer to another prison

Transfer to a prison in the UK

You may be able to apply to transfer to a prison in the UK.

There is a prisoner transfer agreement between Pakistan and the UK, but the process for applying within Pakistan is unclear. Prison officials may not be familiar with the agreement.

Consular staff can provide you with a copy of the prisoner transfer agreement.

If you want to be transferred to a prison in the UK, you should speak to prison officials. They can pass this request to the Ministry of the Interior. If the Pakistani authorities agree to the transfer, they will then make a request to the relevant UK authorities.

Transfer to a prison in Pakistan

Transfers to other prisons in Pakistan are only permitted when there are exceptional and compassionate reasons for doing so. You can apply for a transfer, but permission depends upon the authorities. Your lawyer can inform you about the procedure.

Early release

The court, depending on individual circumstances and cases decides early release and parole. You should ask your lawyer for details.

Reduction of sentence (remission)

Remission may be granted on several grounds. It is classified as ordinary remission or special remission.

Ordinary remission is awarded for good behaviour. A continuous year in prison without committing any offence can earn 15 days of ordinary remission. Completion of 3 years without committing any offence entitles you to an additional remission of 30 days for good conduct.

Special remission is awarded for reasons including:

• marked diligence in teaching or learning
• passing educational qualifications
• learning holy scriptures
• excellence in work
• assistance to a prison officer
• blood donation
• voluntarily undergoing surgical sterilisation

Generally, total ordinary remission does not exceed one third of the period of the sentence. In exceptional circumstances this limit may be exceeded. Life imprisonment (25 years) may not be reduced to less than 15 years.

If you are sentenced for espionage or anti-state activities, you are not entitled to any remission.

Clemency or pardon

All convicts have the right to file a petition to the government for clemency.

If your appeal is dismissed by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the superintendent must inform you immediately after receiving this information. This is so you can apply for clemency or pardon within 7 days.

The President has the power to grant pardon and to remit, suspend or commute any sentence passed by any court or other authority. Legal advisors can provide details on this.

The Provincial Government may remit or commute sentences passed by criminal courts. This may be subject to approval of the President.

If you have been sentenced for an offence against the human body including murder and grievous hurt, prior consent of the victim or the victim’s legal heirs is required for remission of sentence.

Release and deportation

The superintendent fixes your release date, taking into account any remission that you have been awarded. You will be informed of your release date.

At the end of your sentence, you will be taken before the deputy superintendent, who will check your records and order your release. If you have Pakistani nationality, you will be released at the prison gate.

You will be provided with a release certificate signed by the superintendent. If you request it, this can contain a report on your character and conduct or on skills you have gained in prison.

You can contact the British embassy or consulate if you need help when you’re released.

If you do not hold Pakistani nationality, you will be deported.

Deportation

The criminal code does not state that prisoners will be deported automatically on release. However, a court or the government may make an order for deportation of a foreign prisoner. In practice, if you do not hold Pakistani nationality, you will be deported at the end of your sentence.

If you are due to be deported, you will be kept in prison until all the arrangements have been made. The British high commission or deputy high commission will contact you before the end of your sentence to explain the deportation process.

The Federal Government is allowed to spend any of your money or property to pay for the expenses of your departure or your expenses until departure.

Flights to the UK

You are responsible for the costs of your own deportation. If you do not have enough money to pay for your deportation, your friends or family will be expected to pay. They will also be expected to arrange flights.

Getting a passport

Make sure your British passport is still in date. Contact the British high commission or deputy high commission before you’re released if you need an emergency passport for your journey home.

Useful Urdu words and phrases

Important phrases

English	Roman Urdu
Hello	Asslam-o-Alaikum
Good morning	Subh bakhair
Good evening	Shaam Bakhair
Good night	Shab Bakhair
How are you?	Aap kesay hain?
How’s life?	Zindagi kesi ja rahi he?
Where are you?	Aap Kahan hain?
Are you busy?	Kia aap masroof hain?
Are you free?	Kia aap farigh hain?
I am hungry	Mujhe bhook lagi he
I am sick today	Meri tabiyat aaj kharab he
Are you ready?	Kya aap tayar hain?
As soon as possible	Jald az jald
At what time?	Kis waqt per?
Be careful	Aihtiyat se
Call me	Mujhe Phone karo
Can I use your phone?	Kya mein aapka Phone istamaal ker sakta hon?
Can you help me?	Kya aap meri madad ker sktay hain?
Come here	Idher Aaen
Do you take medicine?	Kya aap dawa laitay hain?
Do you have a pen?	Kya aap kay paas pen hai?
I need my medicine	Mujhay meri dawa ki zarurat hai
I need to see a doctor	Mujhay doctor se milnay ki zarurat hai
I want a lawyer	Mujhay wakeel chaheye
I want to see my lawyer	Mujhay apnay wakeel se milna hai
How long will it take?	Kitna waqt lagay ga?
I have a head ache	Mujhay sar dard hai

Useful legal terms

English	Roman Urdu
Accused	Mulzam
Acquittal	Bari
Adult	Baligh
Allegation	Ilzam (ill-zaam)
Appellant	Mu-dai
Application	Darkhawast (Dar-kha-wast)
Arrested	Giriftar (girif-tar)
Capital Punishment	Saza-e-maut
Convicted	Saza-yafta
Court	Adalat
Court Case	Muqadma
Custody	Harassat
Defence	Defah
Evidence	Saboot
Guilty	Mujrum
Hearing	Peshi (Pay-she) / Tareekh (date)
Imprisonment	Qaid (Kay-ed)
Judgement	Adalati Faisal-la (or generally called ‘Faisala’)
Lawyer	Wakeel
Legal	Qanooni
Life Imprisonment	Umar Qaid
Medical examination	Tibi Moiena
Minor	Nabaligh
Next of kin	Qareebi Rishtaydar
Pardon	Muafi
Personal belongings	Zaati Ashiya
Plead	Iltija (ill-te-ja)
Police Station	Thana (Th pronounces as in Theodore)
Power of Attorney to appoint lawyer	Wakalat-nama
Prison	Jail
Property	Jaidad
Prosecution	Isstighasa (Is-ti-ghasa)
Recovery	Baramdagi
Release	Rayhayee
Remission	Muafi
Restriction	Pabandi
Revoke	Mansookh
Trial	Samat
Under trial	Hawalati (Hawa-la-ti)
Visit	Mulaqaat