ISLAMABAD: Islamabad’s much-anticipated model jail will begin its operations in three stages, with the first phase slated to begin by the end of August 2025. The second phase is expected to be completed by October 31, while the final phase is scheduled for completion by December 31, 2025. The jail is set to house between 200 and 300 inmates from Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail in its initial phase, which will likely include the former prime minister Imran Khan, who has been incarcerated at Adiala for the past two years.
The new facility is being built on 90 acres in Sector H-16/2 and will accommodate 2,000 inmates, including under-trial prisoners. The original cost of Rs3.9 billion has increased significantly, now surpassing Rs18.2 billion due to construction delays and rising material costs. The jail will feature separate large barracks for women and juvenile detainees, as well as a range of facilities including a school for staff children, a 22-bed hospital, a mosque, an Imambargah, a church, a library, and an auditorium. Additionally, the facility will be equipped with a large kitchen capable of preparing meals for 2,000 to 3,000 people, complete with roti-making machines.
The project, which was first proposed in 2007, only began construction after funds were allocated in the 2016-17 budget. The jail was initially scheduled for completion by 2019 but faced several setbacks, including funding cuts. Work resumed at an accelerated pace in July 2025, with two regular barracks, one special barrack, security checkposts, and a central watchtower already completed. Finishing touches are expected to be completed within the week.
To staff the facility, the Ministry of Interior has requested 288 police personnel, including 8 inspectors and 250 constables, who are expected to join the jail by August 14. The appointment of the first superintendent, deputy superintendent, and assistant superintendent is also expected by mid-August.
While the new model jail will help ease overcrowding at Adiala Jail, it is unlikely to fully address the issue. Currently, Adiala Jail, which has a capacity of 3,500, houses up to 7,500 inmates. Even with the transfer of 2,000 inmates to the new facility, overcrowding remains a significant problem. Efforts to launch the pilot phase are progressing rapidly, with daily reports being submitted to the Ministry of Interior as various departments work diligently to meet the deadlines.
