Punjab launches ‘Naya Aaghaz’ programme to support rehabilitation of released inmates

LAHORE, Jul 22 (APP):The Punjab government on Wednesday launched the “Naya Aaghaz” programme under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s prison reforms agenda to facilitate the rehabilitation of deserving released prisoners by providing them with interest-free loans to start or expand small businesses.

The programme was launched under a memorandum of understanding signed between the Punjab Home Department and Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance to promote the social and economic reintegration of released inmates.

Under the programme, deserving released prisoners would be eligible for interest-free loans of up to Rs 200,000 under the Qarz-e-Hasna model to establish new businesses or expand existing ones using vocational skills acquired during imprisonment.

According to the Home Department spokesman, Akhuwat had allocated an initial revolving fund of Rs 5 million for the programme. The loans would be repayable in equal monthly installments over a period of 36 months, while recovered amounts would be recycled into the fund to support additional beneficiaries.

The Prison Department would recommend eligible inmates after evaluating their conduct and vocational training during imprisonment. Jail superintendents would identify prisoners expected to be released within the next three months to facilitate loan processing before their release.

The spokesman added that vocational training programmes were currently being conducted in all Punjab prisons, where inmates were receiving technical training in 23 different trades through certified institutions. Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance would bear all administrative and operational expenses of the programme, while no financial liability would fall on the Punjab Home Department or the Prison Department. Furthermore, individuals designated under the National Counter Terrorism Authority lists or the United Nations Security Council sanctions would not be eligible for the facility.

Speaking on the occasion, Rana Mannan Khan said the programme would enable released prisoners to become financially independent and lead dignified lives, adding that prison reforms remained among the Punjab chief minister’s top priorities. Home Secretary Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi said the initiative reflected the government’s commitment to comprehensive rehabilitation and successful reintegration of released prisoners into society, besides helping reduce poverty and create respectable employment opportunities. Dr Amjad Saqib noted that the programme was entirely based on the principle of Qarz-e-Hasna and would provide released prisoners with a meaningful opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity. IG Prisons Mian Salik Jalal stated that more than 28,000 inmates had obtained vocational certificates through TEVTA and PVTC training centres established in Punjab prisons, while around 6,500 inmates were currently receiving technical training, supported by 74 psychologists serving in prisons to encourage inmates towards positive and productive activities.

The MoU was signed by DIG Prisons Ahmad Naveed Gondal and Akhuwat CEO Dr Kamran Shams in the presence of Chairman Chief Minister’s Task Force on Prisons Rana Mannan Khan, Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi, Akhuwat Foundation Chairman Dr Amjad Saqib, Special Secretary Home Zainab Khan, Special Secretary Home Faisal Fareed, Inspector General of Prisons Mian Salik Jalal and other senior officials.