Punjab’s jails be converted into reformatories: CM Maryam

LAHORE, Jul 03 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that Punjab’s jails will be converted into reformatories.

An important meeting on prisons reforms was held under the chairmanship of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, in which a detailed review was taken of the capacity crisis in prisons, the welfare of prisoners, security, health, education and ongoing measures for the promotion of skills.

In the meeting, the CM was briefed on the progress made on prison reforms and a comprehensive plan to solve the problem of overcrowding.

Funds of Rs 1.3 billion were approved for the completion of Nankana Sahib Jail, while the target was set to complete Nankana Sahib and Samundri jails by September this year. Construction of new jails in Chiniot and Murree and construction of 27 additional barracks is also in progress.

The chief minister directed that free legal aid should be provided to the poor and deserving prisoners through a regular legal aid agency, regular inspection of prison hospitals should be ensured and 30 jail vans used for the transfer of prisoners should be equipped with modern facilities including AC, washroom, cameras and better seats.

It was informed in the meeting that quality food, special diet plan, mental health facilities, hygiene kits, welfare stores and special nutrition programs for mothers residing in prisons and children up to the age of six have been started. Modern women’s jails are also being established in Lahore, Faisalabad and Rawalpindi.

According to the briefing, the prison administration is working successfully in 15 jails of Punjab, where prisoners are manufacturing various products and are also receiving technical training in mobile phones, computers, welding, motorcycle and tractor repair and other skills. Under the literacy program, 4,141 prisoners are studying while several prisoners have completed matriculation, intermediate and graduation.

The meeting was informed that the current capacity of Punjab’s jails is 39,000 prisoners, while there are currently 68 to 79,000 prisoners, of which 73 percent are undertrial prisoners. The government has set a target of increasing the capacity of jails to 43,718 by 2027.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said that the basic human rights and dignity of prisoners should be protected at all costs in jails. She expressed her resolve that Punjab’s jails would be converted into real reformatories, not prisons.