Karachi central jail inmates turn to art to support families

Inmates at Karachi Central Jail have found an unexpected way to support their families and transform their lives—through art.

Among them, Aijaz, a prisoner, sold a single painting for Rs1.6 million, allowing him to sponsor his mother’s Umrah pilgrimage. This remarkable achievement is part of a broader initiative that has enabled incarcerated individuals to use creative outlets as a source of income and emotional expression.

"When I first arrived in jail, every night felt like Doomsday. I had nothing to do, and thoughts of my family haunted me," Aijaz shared.

His story of transformation began when he started creating art pieces in the jail’s art gallery. For Aijaz and many others, art has become a lifeline, giving them purpose and a connection to the outside world.

Fellow inmate Adnan Qureshi, imprisoned for kidnapping for ransom, found solace in a different form of creativity—music. "I've been here for years. Now, I’m the head teacher at the jail’s music academy, where I teach fellow inmates," Qureshi said. His role at the academy is a testament to how rehabilitation programs in the prison offer inmates the chance to rediscover their passions.

Life inside Karachi Central Jail remains challenging, but these artistic endeavors have provided a sense of hope and purpose.

Reflecting on his time behind bars, Qureshi admitted: "Rainy days, Eid celebrations, or family memories trigger longing. The hardest part is learning of a loved one’s passing and being unable to attend their funeral."