The long-delayed Islamabad Model Jail project has missed yet another completion deadline, marking its 14th year of construction and pushing estimated costs to nearly Rs20 billion, a sharp increase from the original projection of around Rs3.7 billion when work began in 2011. The latest deadline of June 30, 2026, passed without the facility becoming operational, despite repeated official assurances that it would be ready to receive prisoners from Adiala Jail from July 1.
Project History and Cost Escalation
Officials had announced that approximately 2,000 undertrial and convicted prisoners from Islamabad would be shifted to the new prison, easing overcrowding and operational pressure at Adiala Jail. However, these plans have been shelved again due to a “shortage of funds” and construction delays. Sources revealed that the project has now missed six completion deadlines, primarily because of inadequate funding and administrative hurdles. They warned that the beginning of the new financial year and the continued rise in construction material prices could increase the overall cost by another Rs2 billion if the prison is not completed within the next six months.
Facility Details and Design
Located in Sector H-16 of the federal capital, the Islamabad Model Central Jail spans 90 acres and is designed to accommodate 2,000 inmates. Once completed, it will become the first purpose-built prison for the federal capital, replacing the current arrangement where Islamabad’s prisoners are housed at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail. The state-of-the-art correctional facility is being developed with modern security infrastructure and rehabilitation-focused amenities. The complex will include separate barracks for women and juvenile inmates, a fully equipped hospital, a mosque, a library, vocational training centres, courtrooms, administrative offices, residential accommodation for prison staff, and a school for their children.
Current Status and Impact
Officials say the facility has entered its final phase of construction, although several key components still require completion before it can become operational. At present, Islamabad has no functional prison of its own, forcing all undertrial and convicted prisoners from the capital to be lodged at Adiala Jail. Every day, hundreds of prisoners are transported between Rawalpindi and Islamabad courts for hearings, placing a significant burden on police manpower, security arrangements, and traffic management. Authorities believe the completion of the Islamabad Model Jail will substantially reduce these logistical challenges while improving security during prisoner transportation and providing a modern correctional environment.
