PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP FOR "JAIL INDUSTRY", NEW BARRACKS TO BE BUILT

SENIOR MINISTER PRESIDES HIGH LEVEL MEETING ON JAIL REFORMS

PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP FOR "JAIL INDUSTRY", NEW BARRACKS TO BE BUILT

Senior Punjab Minister Abdul Aleem Khan has said that there is a dire need to bring the number of inmates in the jails across Punjab as per the capacity and to introduce massive reforms in this sector. He added that providing basic facilities like proper food, drinking water and toilets to the prisoners is the first responsibility of the Government for which we all have to solve it as a humanitarian issue. Senior Minister Abdul Aleem Khan expressed these views while presiding over a high level meeting on Prison Reforms in Punjab, here today, in which Additional Chief Secretary Home, IG Prisons, Additional Secretary Home and DIG (HQ) Prisons were present. Abdul Aleem Khan said that he has gone through this process and he is practically aware of the plight of the prisoners. He pointed out that most of the political leaders go to jail but did nothing for the betterment of the jails despite coming to power. Senior Minister said that work has to be done on an urgent basis to build new barracks in the jails of Punjab. Similarly, the "Jail Industry" can be improved with the participation of the private sector. He said that prisoners should also be given profit share of the products made by them. Abdul Aleem Khan said that he personally worked for the betterment of various sections of Kot Lakhpat Jail while fans, water coolers and other facilities have also been extended in Sheikhupura and Kasur Jails. Senior Minister also decided to visit Kot Lakhpat Jail along with senior officials soon so that the situation could be reviewed on the spot and further decisions may be taken accordingly. Abdul Aleem Khan said that he sought special permission from Punjab Chief Minister on Jail Reforms for which he is grateful. He said that Prime Minister Imran Khan has a personal interest in welfare activities of prisoners and now we will not face any obstacle to improve this sector.

Giving a briefing in the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary Momin Ali Agha said that in view of Corona Virus, inmates are being provided facility to talk to their relatives on telephone. Similarly, to improve the quality of food in jails many steps have been taken. He assured all possible cooperation for the reform in the jails as per the directions of the Senior Minister for which planning work would be started immediately and where ever possible the new barracks of the jails would also be expanded.