At just 22 years old, Yaseen faced two murder charges that would change his life forever. He spent the next 20 years in prison under these allegations, only to be acquitted of all charges by the Supreme Court in 2015.
Recalling his story, Yaseen said, “We used to play kabaddi and volleyball. We dreamed of becoming doctors or engineers. Today, my classmates are assistant commissioners, lawyers, or doctors. But this broken system destroyed my entire career. I lost my youth, and my future was ruined.”
The ordeal of false accusations, imprisonment, and eventual release leaves deep scars. For many, reintegrating into society is extremely difficult. Families sometimes distance themselves, and parents fear sharing the horrors of jail with their children.
As debates continue over judicial reforms following Pakistan’s 27th Constitutional Amendment, many innocent prisoners in the country’s jails are still awaiting systemic changes that could ease their suffering.
According to a 2025 report by the National Commission on Human Rights, Pakistan has nearly 128 prisons housing over 100,000 inmates. Many of these individuals are enduring years of hardship due to false accusations. Yaseen’s story highlights the urgent need for reforms to protect the innocent and restore justice.
