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LAHORE, Aug 20 (APP): Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi chaired a meeting at the office of the Inspector General (IG) Prisons regarding the “Skilled Prisoners Programme.”
The session was attended by IG Prisons Mian Farooq Nazir, Additional Secretary Prisons Asim Raza, Chairman Punjab Vocational Training Council (PVTC) Khalid Masood Chaudhry, Chairperson TEVTA Brig. (retd) Sajid Khokhar, DG Operations Amir Aziz, DIG Prisons Salik Jalal, DIG Lahore Region Naveed Rauf, and officers from the Bank of Punjab and Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB).
During the meeting, Dr. Javed reviewed the volume of products manufactured in prisons and the compensation provided to inmates. He emphasised that the Home Department is implementing solid initiatives for the rehabilitation, skill development and socio-economic integration of prisoners. Inmates across Punjab’s prisons are being trained in various trades including barbering, tailoring, cooking, motorcycle mechanics, electrical work, and handicrafts. Products such as carpets, tiles, furniture, LED bulbs, shoes, gloves, footballs, garments, soaps, disinfectants, washing powder and trunks are being manufactured.
Home Secretary Dr Javed directed that the quantity of products manufactured and the wages paid to inmates be considered key performance indicators for jail superintendents. He added that under the “Skilled Prisoners Programme,” inmates working in the prison industry are earning respectable wages, which is enabling them to support their families and reintegrate into society successfully.
Appreciating the commitment of the inmates, the Home secretary instructed that those who complete certified technical training must be awarded certificates from TEVTA and PVTC, and be provided free toolkits upon release to help them earn a dignified livelihood.
Highlighting the importance of maintaining training quality, Dr. Javed stated that skilled instructors are available in every jail. He also noted that inmate-made products are not only being promoted but also sold in the open market. Citizens can order these products online via the official Punjab Prisons website: www.prisonstore.com.pk, he added. In addition to online sales, display centers have been established outside all prisons to facilitate direct purchases.
Dr. Javed Qazi also mentioned that opportunities are being created for the private sector to invest in the prison industry. He engaged with private investors during the meeting, listened to their concerns, and invited recommendations for improving the prison industry.
Following the meeting, the Home Secretary visited Camp Jail Lahore where he inaugurated a new sewing training center under the Skilled Prisoners Programme. He also inspected the skill development center, barber training center, motor mechanic training unit, library, and prison hospital.
IG Prisons Mian Farooq Nazir, Additional Secretary Prisons Asim Raza, Superintendent Jail Zaheer Warraich and other officials accompanied him on the visit.