LAHORE, Feb 26 (APP):An important meeting of the Chief Minister Punjab’s Task Force on Prisons was held at the Home Department to review progress on ongoing jail reforms, including construction projects and the Safe Jails initiative aimed at modernizing prisons across the province.
The meeting was chaired by Task Force Chairman Rana Mannan Khan and attended by Inspector General Prisons Mian Farooq Nazir, Additional Secretary Prisons Ruman Borana, special secretary Health and Population, additional secretary Communication and Works, additional secretary Health, and other relevant officials.
The participants reviewed progress on the construction of Judicial Complex Lahore and District Jail Sialkot. They also examined developments under the Safe Jails Project, which includes installation of modern cameras and security equipment in prisons across Punjab.
Speaking on the occasion, Rana Manaan said that the first phase of the Safe Jails Project would be completed by June 30, covering all central jails and regional offices, while the second phase would be completed by December.
He said that an online “Mulaqat App” had been introduced to facilitate booking of prisoner visits, adding that thousands of citizens had already benefited from the service and could now book meetings with inmates in prisons across Punjab from their homes.
The chairman further said a modern sales system had been introduced for products manufactured by inmates in jail industries. These products are now available online through the official prison website as well as Daraz. He directed authorities to adopt an effective marketing strategy to maximize benefits for inmates and ensure transparent payment of wages for their labor.
Mannan also directed that exhaust fans and provision of mineral water be ensured in prisoners’ cells in all jails, and that complaints raised by inmates’ families during visits be addressed promptly.
He said the government was committed to transforming prisons into true reform centers by providing a better environment and training opportunities for inmates.