A total of 6,161 Pakistani prisoners were on death row in 2024, marking a slight increase from the previous year’s figure of 6,039, according to a report by Justice Project Pakistan (JPP). This alarming statistic underscores a persistent and troubling trend within Pakistan’s criminal justice system, which has been criticized for its handling of capital punishment and its broader implications for human rights. The data reveals that the majority of these death row inmates are concentrated in Punjab, with 2,505 prisoners, followed closely by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) at 2,311. This geographical disparity raises questions about the application of justice and the systemic issues that contribute to such high incarceration rates.
The individuals sentenced to death in Pakistan often come from marginalized backgrounds, including those with limited access to legal representation and resources. The crimes punishable by death in Pakistan encompass a wide range of offenses, including murder, blasphemy, and drug-related charges. Notably, the Pakistan Penal Code outlines 27 different offenses that can lead to capital punishment. The system is criticized for its lack of transparency and fairness; many death sentences are imposed following trials that do not meet international standards for due process. Human rights organizations have reported that vulnerable populations, including juveniles and individuals with mental health issues, are disproportionately represented on death row.
Pakistan’s security situation plays a significant role in the persistence of capital punishment. Following the tragic Peshawar school attack in December 2014, which resulted in the deaths of 132 children and staff members, the government lifted a moratorium on executions that had been in place since 2008. This event catalyzed a surge in executions as authorities sought to demonstrate a tough stance against terrorism. However, critics argue that this approach has led to an environment where judicial processes are compromised under the guise of national security. The fear of terrorism has resulted in laws that allow for broad interpretations of what constitutes a threat, leading to harsher penalties for a range of offenses.
The implications of this punitive approach extend beyond individual cases; they reflect systemic issues within Pakistan’s justice system. Reports indicate that judges often face pressure and intimidation when making decisions in capital cases. This environment can lead to wrongful convictions and an over-reliance on confessions obtained under duress. Furthermore, the lack of adequate legal representation for many defendants exacerbates these issues, resulting in a cycle of injustice that disproportionately affects the poor and marginalized.
The human rights angle is critical in discussions surrounding the death penalty. International organizations such as Amnesty International have consistently condemned capital punishment as a violation of fundamental human rights. They argue that it is applied arbitrarily and disproportionately against vulnerable groups. The growing recognition of the incompatibility between capital punishment and human rights norms has led to increased advocacy for abolition worldwide. Campaigns against the death penalty highlight its potential for irreversible error—executing an innocent person—and its failure as a deterrent to crime.
Globally, several countries still uphold capital punishment as part of their legal systems. For instance, Saudi Arabia employs it extensively for various crimes, including drug offenses and blasphemy. In recent years, reports indicate that Saudi Arabia has executed individuals who were minors at the time of their crimes—an action condemned by human rights advocates worldwide. Similarly, China is known for its high number of executions annually, although precise figures remain state secrets due to the lack of transparency surrounding its judicial processes. Iran also maintains capital punishment for offenses such as drug trafficking and murder; it ranks among the top countries for executions per capita.
The global campaign against capital punishment is gaining momentum as more nations reconsider their stance on this contentious issue. Organizations like Amnesty International advocate for moratoriums on executions and call for comprehensive reviews of laws governing capital punishment. They emphasize that countries should align their practices with international human rights standards and consider alternatives to incarceration for non-violent offenders.
The situation surrounding death row prisoners in Pakistan reflects broader issues within its criminal justice system—issues rooted in socio-economic disparities, inadequate legal protections, and a punitive approach driven by security concerns. As Pakistan grapples with these challenges, it stands at a crossroads where it must weigh the implications of maintaining capital punishment against its commitments to human rights and justice reform. The growing global consensus against the death penalty presents an opportunity for Pakistan to reevaluate its policies and practices in favor of more humane alternatives that uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals within its jurisdiction.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
