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LAHORE, Nov 15 (APP): Chairman Task Force on Prisons Rana Manan Khan and Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi on Saturday inaugurated five newly constructed double-storey barracks at Central Jail Lahore, adding accommodation for 2,000 inmates.
According to a Punjab Home Department spokesperson, the new barracks have been completed at Kot Lakhpat Jail under the Punjab government’s ongoing jail reforms agenda. IG Prisons Mian Farooq Nazir, Additional Secretary Prisons Roman Borana, DIG Region Mohsin Rafiq and Superintendent Jail Ijaz Asghar were also present.
During the visit, the chairman task force and the Home Secretary met inmates housed in the new barracks and reviewed their issues. Authorities were directed to provide free legal aid to prisoners unable to afford lawyer fees. Dr Qazi also instructed the provision of warm blankets in all barracks according to weather conditions, and directed jail psychologists to maintain regular contact with inmates experiencing mental health challenges and offer counselling. He further ordered the establishment of PCO booths near the new barracks and the provision of required medical facilities.
Rana Manan Khan said the Punjab government is swiftly advancing its jail reforms agenda, adding that under the chief minister’s vision, prisons are being transformed into rehabilitation centres. He noted that carpets, tiles, furniture, soap, phenyl, LED bulbs, shoes, gloves, footballs, clothing and trunks are being produced inside Punjab’s prisons, and improved marketing of these products can support inmates financially.
Home Secretary Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi said the Home Department is taking concrete measures for the rehabilitation, skill development and socio-economic uplift of inmates. He said the department has launched the “Mulaqat App” to facilitate citizens in scheduling jail visits from home, with more than 850 families having benefited from the advance booking service across Punjab. The app, titled “Online Mulaqat,” is available on the Google Play Store, and the facility has been activated in all prisons of the province. He added that modern security equipment is also being installed across Punjab’s prisons to enhance safety under the jail reforms initiative.