Senate panel urges modern, reformative Islamabad Model Jail

ISLAMABAD, Sep 2 (APP):Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works, under the Chairmanship of Senator Nasir Mehmood, visited the Islamabad Model Jail on Wednesday to review the status of its construction, modern facilities, medical infrastructure and proposed skill-development programmes for inmates.

The Committee also convened its meeting at the jail premises.

The Committee was briefed on the progress of the project and informed that the total cost of the Islamabad Model Jail stands at Rs. 7,399.12 million, with approximately 97% of the construction work completed.

The Committee was further informed that a modern hospital equipped with latest medical facilities has been established, while the hospital and kitchen can be made operational within 24 hours.

The Committee, however, expressed serious concern over the prolonged delay in completion of the project, which was initiated in 2017. Members stressed that the facility should not merely serve as a conventional prison but should fulfil its original objective of rehabilitation and reform of inmates.

The Committee particularly raised concerns over the exclusion of female and juvenile prisoners from the first phase of the project. It was informed that the original master plan, prepared in 2017, envisaged a comprehensive reformative facility catering to all categories of inmates, including women and juveniles. However, due to budgetary constraints, the Federal Government decided to implement the project in phases to prevent the project from becoming redundant. The first phase, now nearing completion, has a capacity of 732 male inmates.

The Committee unanimously called for the inclusion of separate facilities for female and juvenile prisoners in the subsequent phase. Chairman Committee Senator Nasir Mehmood directed the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives to brief the Committee on the project’s second phase, its current status, future plans and proposed timeline for completion.

The Chairman emphasized that the Islamabad Model Jail must be developed as a modern reformative and rehabilitation centre, where inmates are equipped with practical skills enabling them to reintegrate into society as responsible and productive citizens after completion of their sentences.

The Committee was informed that vocational training programmes would include skills such as motor mechanics, refrigerator repair, handicrafts and other trades. It was further apprised that a separation wall has already been constructed, allowing work on the second phase to proceed without disrupting the functioning of the existing facility once operational.

During the visit, the Committee inspected various blocks and reviewed the ongoing construction and installation of facilities. The Chairman expressed concern that, despite the installation of a fire alarm system, fire hydrants and sprinkler systems had not yet been installed. He directed the concerned authorities to ensure installation of all essential fire-safety equipment within 15 days.

The committee also suggested building a theatre or mini cinema and improving toilet/shower area facilities, placing safety nets in meeting areas of prisoners.

The Committee assured the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and other relevant authorities of its full support in resolving outstanding issues and ensuring timely completion of the project.

The Committee reiterated that the facility should be expanded to include dedicated barracks and rehabilitation facilities for female and juvenile prisoners so that the Islamabad Model Jail can fulfil its vision of becoming a truly modern, model and reformative correctional facility.

The meeting was attended by Senator Khalida Ateeb, Senator Husna Bano, Senator Naseema Ehsan and Senator Muhammad Aslam Abro.