Systemic Barriers to Prisoner Rehabilitation: A Case Study of District Jail Sargodha, Pakistan

Abstract

This study examines the challenges faced by prison officials in implementing rehabilitation programs

at District Jail Sargodha, Pakistan. The primary objectives were to explore existing rehabilitation

initiatives, identify key obstacles in their execution, and propose actionable solutions to improve

inmate reintegration and reduce recidivism. Guided by the Institutional Theory of Governance, the

research investigates how formal and informal institutional structures such as policies, cultural norms,

and historical practices shape rehabilitation efforts. A qualitative research design was employed, with

the universe of the study consisting of prison staff directly involved in rehabilitation programs at

District Jail Sargodha. Using purposive sampling, 18 in-depth semi-structured interviews were

conducted to gather rich, contextual insights. Thematic analysis revealed significant barriers including

inadequate funding, insufficient medical infrastructure, overburdened and undertrained staff, lack of

family and community support, weak policy implementation, and low inmate literacy. These

institutional and resource constraints severely hinder effective rehabilitation. The study concludes that

meaningful reform requires increased financial investment, staff training, policy development, and

stronger collaboration with NGOs and community stakeholders to foster a rehabilitative rather than punitive prison environment.