The Home Department of Punjab has announced the establishment of three modern jails for women in the major cities of Lahore, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi. This initiative was confirmed by officials on Sunday, highlighting a significant step towards addressing gender-specific incarceration needs in the province.
Review of Prison Conditions and Capacity Crisis
Sources revealed that a detailed review was recently conducted regarding the capacity crisis in prisons, prisoner welfare, security, health, education, and ongoing measures to promote skills among inmates. The review underscored the urgent need for infrastructure expansion and reform.
Funds amounting to Rs1.3 billion have been approved for the completion of Nankana Sahib Jail. The government has set a target to finish both Nankana Sahib and Samundri jails by September of this year. Additionally, construction is underway for new jails in Chiniot and Murree, along with 27 additional barracks across existing facilities.
Capacity Expansion Goals
The Punjab government has established a target to increase the total capacity of jails in the province to 43,718 by the year 2027. This expansion aims to alleviate overcrowding and improve living conditions for inmates.
Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has previously stated that the basic human rights and dignity of prisoners must be protected at all costs. She expressed her resolve to transform Punjab’s jails into real reformatories rather than mere prisons, emphasizing rehabilitation and skill development.
Additional Measures
In a related development, the Punjab government has also issued an advisory to protect crops during the monsoon rains, ensuring agricultural stability alongside penal reforms.
