The “war on drugs” has disproportionately affected women, with 35% of female prisoners globally incarcerated for drug-related offences. In Pakistan, the Control of Narcotics Substances Act, 1997 (CNSA) enforces harsh penalties without addressing gender-specific vulnerabilities. Women involved in drug offences often face coercion, poverty, or manipulation and encounter stigma, inadequate legal aid, and gender-insensitive policies.

Key challenges for women prisoners in Pakistan include prolonged pretrial detention, inadequate healthcare, disrupted family roles, and limited rehabilitation programs. Current prison policies fail to meet women’s specific needs, such as reproductive and mental health care. Furthermore, Pakistan lacks diversionary measures and community-based alternatives to incarceration, as emphasized by international standards like the Bangkok Rules.

This brief highlights the CNSA’s gendered impact, its alignment with global norms, and the consequences of punitive drug policies on women. Drawing on case studies and testimonies, it provides evidence-based recommendations for reform, including gender-sensitive sentencing, improved prison conditions, and community-based alternatives to incarceration. Addressing these systemic gaps is essential for reducing inequalities and ensuring justice for women affected by drug policies.