Documents and videos obtained by sources showed that prisoners in the Mianwali and Jhang jails have free access to drugs, and this is allegedly done with the collusion of prison staff and inmates.
According to a report of Medical Officer of Mianwali Jail, there were indications of severe drug consumption such as violent temperaments, paranoia, and ugly language. Based on advice given by the jail superintendent, a mass drug screening was done only to reveal that 423 inmates tested positive among which 273 were under-trials and 150 were convicts.
The report stipulates the drugs solutions: 96 inmates used cannabis, 231 methamphetamine (ice), 43 heroin pills, 15 sleeping pills, and 1 cocaine. Videos indicate that Prison inmates freely use drugs in the prison grounds.
In a video statement, ex-prisoner Aziz Khan claimed that in Jhang Jail, drugs are cheaper in comparison to the outside, because drug-dealers prisoners pay staff at the jail Rs. 400,000 monthly to continue their illicit business.
He further claimed that the authorities in prisons encourage sexual abuse of young and under-age inmates whereby powerful inmates pay between Rs. 5,000 and 10,000 to transfer detainees to their respective barracks.
Aziz has also written to Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Chief Minister of Punjab requesting her urgent intervention.
In response to the report, Mianwali Jail Superintendent Farukh Rasheed waved off the allegations noting that they were motivated by a dispute involving presence of doctors.
He however acknowledged that five lower employees have been punished on facilitating access of drug by inmates.
Rasheed said the security and surveillance have been strengthened and admitted that some families succeed in sneaking drugs into the jail.
