Punjab to introduce de-radicalisation programme in all jails

LAHORE, Jul 17 (APP): The Punjab government has decided to launch a unique and comprehensive plan for the rehabilitation of prisoners and the elimination of violent behavior in jails. For the first time, a regular de-radicalization program will be introduced in all jails of the province for the assessment of the behavior of prisoners, psychological support and rehabilitation.

The decision on this plan was taken in a high-level meeting held in the Punjab Home Department, which was chaired by Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi. The meeting reviewed in detail the framework model to be prepared for the de-radicalization and rehabilitation of prisoners. The meeting was also attended by IG Prisons Mian Salik Jalal, Chief Coordination Officer Ghulam Sagheer Shahid, Additional Secretary Prisons Roman Borana and Deputy Coordination Officer Dr. Ahmed Khawar.

Under the project, de-radicalization centers will be established in all jails of Punjab, where psychological assessment of prisoners as well as prison staff will be conducted. Special training on non-violence, positive attitudes and social rehabilitation will be provided in these centers, while special counseling will also be provided to those involved in terrorism cases and prisoners who commit repeated crimes.

According to officials, prisoners with violent behaviors will be identified during the program, their personality, thinking and behavior will be psychologically assessed and appropriate treatment and rehabilitation will be initiated.

According to the details, in this project, the families of such prisoners will also be made part of the training program so that their effective social rehabilitation can be made possible after their release. A report based on the progress of the prisoners concerned will also be compiled every month under the program.

Addressing the meeting, Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi directed the Prisons Department to prepare a special training manual and said that this project for the rehabilitation of prisoners will prove to be a great national service.

He stressed that special training models should be prepared keeping in mind the religious, social and cultural traditions of Pakistan, while the process of counseling the prisoners should also be completed before their release.