Juvenile delinquency is a serious concern in Pakistan. While the most recent data from provincial prison departments is still being sought, existing figures and historical data help illuminate some trends.
Historical Data on Juvenile Offenders
A comprehensive review from 2005 to 2019 shows a total of 21,849 juvenile cases reported in Pakistan. Of these:
- 44% were undertrial cases.
- Only 6% (2,620 cases) resulted in convictions.
This indicates that a significant number of juvenile offenders remain in detention awaiting prosecution for extended periods, highlighting inefficiencies in the judicial process.
Data and Trends (2021-22)
In 2021 and 2022, the data reveals the continued presence of juveniles in the prison system:
- In Punjab, there were around 540 minors in prisons as of April 2021.
- Sindh reported 260 minors.
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) had 510 minors.
- Balochistan reported 55 minors.
Most of these juveniles were undertrial, reflecting the ongoing delays and backlogs in the judicial system.