KP Govt advancing prison reforms to promote rehabilitation, reintegration: Shafi Jan

PESHAWAR, Jun 09 (APP):Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Information and Public Relations, Shafi Jan, on Tuesday said the provincial government was pursuing comprehensive prison reforms aimed at transforming jails from mere detention facilities into centres of rehabilitation, education and skill development.

Speaking during a visit to Central Jail Peshawar, he said every possible effort should be made to reform inmates and equip them with the skills necessary to become productive and responsible members of society.

During the visit, the minister reviewed various facilities and rehabilitation programmes designed for the welfare, education and reintegration of prisoners. Jail authorities briefed him on prison management, inmate welfare initiatives and ongoing reform measures.

Shafi Jan inspected different barracks and prison sections, met inmates and listened to their concerns. He also visited the drug rehabilitation centre, library, prison industry units and vocational training facilities.

The minister reviewed educational and capacity-building programmes, including IT and English language classes, and examined art and creative activities aimed at encouraging positive engagement among prisoners.

He also inspected the patients’ ward and reviewed healthcare services, treatment and rehabilitation facilities, as well as the quality of food being provided to inmates.

Shafi Jan said the provision of education, vocational training and other essential facilities to prisoners remained a key priority of the provincial government under its prison reform agenda. He added that prison industries and technical training centres at Central Jail Peshawar were playing an important role in helping inmates acquire skills and become self-reliant.

He said further reforms were being introduced to facilitate the successful reintegration of prisoners into society after their release and enable them to lead dignified and constructive lives.

The minister also assured prison staff that their professional and administrative issues would be addressed on a priority basis.

DIG Prisons Baitullah Khan, Jail Superintendent Waseem Khan and other officials accompanied the minister during the visit.