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FAISALABAD, Nov 21 (APP):Chief Minister’s (CM) Task Force on Prisons Chairperson Rana Manan Khan said that the Punjab government has fast-tracked practical measures to make prisons across the province corruption-free, secure and equipped with modern facilities.
Talking to media after a detailed visit to District Jail Faisalabad on Friday evening, he said that the inspection focused on reviewing construction standards, facilities and administrative operations to ensure compliance with the Jail Manual and to strengthen transparency and service delivery.
He said that the government aims to transform Punjab’s jails into institutions centered on rehabilitation, skill development and inmate welfare.
During visit, he inspected different barracks, jail hospital, inmates’ living areas and administrative sections.
He also interacted with a number of ailing prisoners at the hospital to review medical services being provided and to assess their immediate needs.
Improving governance by upgrading essential facilities and services inside prisons is a top priority of the provincial government, he added.
Responding to a question, he said that family rooms in Central Jail are fully functional, allowing inmates to meet their families in a dignified and comfortable environment. The facility is available through a formal application process and is managed with complete transparency, he added.
Responding to another query regarding the relocation of jails outside cities, Rana Manan Khan said that while the idea has merit, it is not an immediate priority as the government is currently focused on several other pressing issues. However, the proposal may be considered in the future if affordable and suitable land becomes available, he said, adding that for now, the government’s attention remains on administrative improvements, enhanced service delivery and performance strengthening within the existing prison facilities.
He acknowledged the operational challenges faced by district jails located within city areas but said that the primary focus remains on inmate reform, better facilities and adherence to the Jail Manual.
He said that monitoring teams are regularly inspecting prisons across the province to identify shortcomings and resolve them promptly for ensuring a better and more humane environment for inmates as well as jail staff.