Rights of female prisoners: an analysis of Pakistan's obligations under islamic law and united nations conventions

Abstract

This thesis critically examines the rights of female prisoners in Pakistan within the context of Islamic Law and UN human rights conventions. It explores the intricate interplay between these two legal frameworks, emphasizing the challenges in harmonizing them within Pakistan's unique socio-legal environment. The initial chapters lay the groundwork by evaluating the global and Islamic perspectives on female prisoners' rights and assessing the influence of cultural and societal norms. A subsequent analysis delves into Pakistan's legal framework, scrutinizing statutory laws, judicial interpretations, and the prevailing conditions in women's prisons, particularly focusing on issues like domestic violence and ‘honor’ crimes. The latter part of the thesis presents a comparative study of UN Conventions and Islamic jurisprudence, highlighting the difficulties in aligning these frameworks and proposing pragmatic recommendations for legal and policy reforms. The conclusion synthesizes these insights, underscoring the necessity for a balanced approach that respects Pakistan's Islamic traditions while adhering to international human rights standards. This research contributes significantly to the discourse on human rights and legal reform, particularly in the context of female incarceration in Pakistan.