Punjab prisons reforms reviewed; recruitment, new jails, staff incentives proposed

The mission to transform Punjab’s prisons into reformative institutions is continuing as the Chief Minister Punjab Task Force on Prisons held an important meeting at the Punjab Home Department on Tuesday

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th May, 2026) The mission to transform Punjab’s prisons into reformative institutions is continuing as the Chief Minister Punjab Task Force on Prisons held an important meeting at the Punjab Home Department on Tuesday.

Chairman of the Task Force Rana Mannan Khan and Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi attended the meeting, which reviewed ongoing prison reforms, development projects and welfare initiatives for inmates and prison staff.

The meeting recommended seeking government approval for recruitment against vacant posts of officers and staff in prisons. It also recommended introduction of a Prison Martyrs Package on the pattern of the Police Shuhada Package and provision of allowances to prison staff similar to those being given to police personnel.

The participants were informed that recommendations have been made in the next fiscal year’s budget for construction of new district jails in Chakwal, Chiniot and Murree. Progress on construction of new women prisons in Lahore, Faisalabad and Rawalpindi was also reviewed.

The meeting was informed that construction work on 11 new lock-ups in various districts is underway, while Central Jail Lahore would also be shifted to solar energy during the current fiscal year after Faisalabad, Mianwali and DG Khan jails.

Progress on installation of modern cameras and other equipment under the Safe Jail Project across Punjab prisons was reviewed along with plans to increase inmate capacity through construction of new jails and additional barracks.

Speaking on the occasion, Rana Mannan said efforts are being made to reform prisoners through provision of a better environment and training facilities in jails.

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He said new sheds and intercom facilities have been provided to improve meetings between inmates and their families.

He added that citizens could now book prison visits online from home across Punjab. He said 119 water filtration plants and 627 water coolers have been installed in prisons.

Mannan said a modern sales system has been introduced for products manufactured by inmates in prison industries and a comprehensive strategy would be adopted to improve sales for maximum benefit of prisoners.

Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi said energy audit reforms in prisons have saved 9.3 million electricity units, resulting in overall savings of Rs 510 million.

He said the “Mulakat App” has been introduced for online booking of inmate visits and around 30,000 citizens have benefited from the facility so far.

Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi said every prisoner undergoes medical tests and psychological assessment upon arrival in jail, while free treatment is provided according to the diseases diagnosed.

He said a literacy programme has been launched in prisons across Punjab to educate inmates, while Prison Welfare Stores are being established in all jails for welfare and facilitation of prisoners.

The Home secretary said around 40,000 accidental offenders are currently under training in the Probation Department under the community service model to help transform them into productive members of society.

Special Secretary Home Zainab Khan, IG Prisons Mian Farooq Nazir, Additional Secretary Prisons Roman Borana and officials from Health and Population, Communication and Works, Health Department and other relevant institutions also attended the meeting.