Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Information and Public Relations Shafi Jan visited Central Prison Peshawar, where he conducted a detailed inspection of various barracks, sections and rehabilitation facilities.
Interaction with Prisoners
During the visit, the Provincial Minister interacted with prisoners, listened to their concerns and reviewed facilities being provided to them. He inspected the prison library, prison industry units and various reformative and vocational initiatives.
Review of Educational and Creative Programs
Shafi Jan also reviewed ongoing art and creative activities, along with IT and English language classes being offered to inmates. He visited the Drug Rehabilitation Centre and met prisoners undergoing treatment at the prison hospital, where he was briefed on healthcare and medical facilities available.
Food Quality and Administration Briefing
The minister reviewed the quality of food being served to inmates, including meal standards. DIG Prisons Peshawar Region, Baitullah Khan and Superintendent Central Prison Peshawar Waseem Khan accompanied the minister during the visit. The prison administration provided a comprehensive briefing on prisoner welfare, rehabilitation initiatives and administrative affairs.
Minister's Directives
Speaking on the occasion, Shafi Jan directed prison administration to leave no stone unturned in ensuring the reform, rehabilitation and constructive development of prisoners so they may return to society as responsible citizens. He stated that the Provincial Government is pursuing a vision of transforming prisons from places of confinement into reform, rehabilitation and human development centres.
Focus on Education and Vocational Training
The minister emphasized that under the government's prison reform agenda, providing prisoners with education, vocational training and other essential facilities remains a top priority. He appreciated prison administration's efforts in establishing prison industry initiatives at Central Prison Peshawar and noted that vocational and technical training centres are playing an important role in promoting self-reliance among inmates.
Future Reform Measures
Shafi Jan said that the provincial government is introducing additional reform-oriented measures in prisons to facilitate reintegration of prisoners into society after their release. Later, the minister assured prison staff that their issues would be addressed on a priority basis.
