Police, NGO partner rehabilitation plan for ex-prisoners in KP

HARIPUR: The Haripur police, in collaboration with Human Development Organisation (HDO-Pakistan), have decided to launch a rehabilitation initiative aimed at supporting former prisoners and individuals facing trial in their reintegration into society, with the broader objective of reducing repeat offending.

The decision was shared by Haripur DPO Shafiullah Khan Gandapur during a briefing with journalists. Director Programmes HDO-Pakistan Muhammad Ahsan Khan and social worker Muhammad Zaigham Khan were also present.

The DPO said policing responsibilities extend beyond enforcement, stressing that while controlling crime remains a core duty, protecting human dignity and basic rights is also part of the department’s mandate. “We hate crime but not the individuals and under the vision of KP IGP, we are going to introduce social-reintegration of ex-detainees for the first time in the history,” he added.

He said the initiative reflects the guidance of the KP Inspector General of Police, under which a structured social reintegration programme for ex-detainees is being introduced for the first time in the district.

Under the plan, police stations across Haripur will compile detailed records of individuals who have completed sentences, are currently on bail, or are under trial. These identified individuals will be included in phased rehabilitation sessions.

Officials said the sessions will focus on psychological support and social adjustment, with implementation carried out jointly by police and HDO teams across the district.

The DPO further directed that any police personnel found harassing individuals participating in the programme would face strict disciplinary action under departmental rules.

HDO Director Programmes Muhammad Ahsan Khan said many detainees experience psychological stress beginning from arrest and continuing through imprisonment, which is often intensified by poor support systems.

He added that the absence of structured trauma-informed care in the public health system, particularly for economically vulnerable individuals, often contributes to mental health issues and increases the likelihood of reoffending, placing additional pressure on both society and state resources.