Punjab Allocates Rs. 28 Billion for Prison Reforms Projects

The Punjab government has allocated a substantial Rs. 28 billion for comprehensive reforms across the province's prison system. This initiative encompasses 38 development projects, including 34 ongoing and 4 newly launched schemes. As of now, Rs. 9 billion has been expended on these projects.

Key undertakings include the construction of the Lahore Prison Complex, designed to house 10,000 inmates at an estimated cost of Rs. 6 billion, and a new district jail in Sialkot with a capacity for 2,000 prisoners, costing Rs. 4.8 billion. Other improvements involve modernizing barracks, upgrading medical facilities, enhancing kitchen infrastructure, and developing visitor sheds.

Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi, Punjab's Home Secretary, emphasized the government's commitment to transparency and quality in project execution. He reiterated the principle of "hate the crime, not the criminal," highlighting a rehabilitative approach to incarceration. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is closely monitoring the implementation of these reforms. Dr. Qazi also urged jail officials to proactively address health concerns, including dengue prevention, especially during the monsoon season.

The reforms aim to alleviate the severe overcrowding in Punjab's prisons, which currently operate at nearly 70% above capacity. With 43 prisons designed to accommodate 37,217 inmates, the province's correctional facilities are under significant strain. The government's investment reflects a strategic move towards modernizing the prison system, focusing on rehabilitation and improved living conditions for inmates.

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