CM Maryam orders sweeping reforms to turn prisons into rehabilitation centres

• Punjab CM vows to safeguard prisoners' dignity and basic rights as Rs1.3b approved to complete Nankana Sahib jail by September

• Modern prison vans, biometric verification and remission system cleared as more barracks, new jails planned to ease chronic overcrowding

• Special care ordered for women prisoners and children living in jails as education, vocational training and better facilities for inmates expanded

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Friday ordered sweeping reforms to transform prisons into genuine rehabilitation centres, directing the authorities to improve inmates' welfare, modernise prison infrastructure and strengthen correctional services across the province.

Chairing a high-level meeting on prison reforms, the chief minister reviewed progress on ongoing initiatives and was presented with a comprehensive plan to reduce prison overcrowding and overhaul the provincial jail system.

A video presentation on the under-construction Nankana Sahib jail was shown during the meeting. The chief minister approved Rs1.3 billion for its early completion and set September this year as the deadline for completing both the Nankana Sahib and Samundri jails.

She directed the authorities to ensure quality beds, play areas, vocational training and regular education facilities for children living with incarcerated mothers. She also ordered the upgradation of juvenile prisons and approved the introduction of a modern Remission Management System for prisoners.

The meeting was informed that 27 additional barracks were under construction to ease overcrowding, while work on new prisons in Chiniot and Murree was progressing rapidly.

The chief minister directed that 30 prison vans used for transporting inmates be remodelled into air-conditioned vehicles equipped with washrooms, camera screens and ergonomic seating. She also approved the provision of mattresses in male prisoners' barracks and ordered regular inspections to ensure the quality of food served to inmates.

Officials presented a weekly diet plan for prisoners and informed the meeting that welfare stores had been established in prisons. Special nutritional supplements have also been introduced for incarcerated mothers and children up to six years of age.

The meeting was informed that three modern women's prisons were being established in Lahore, Faisalabad and Rawalpindi. Comfortable waiting sheds, transport carts and family rooms for prisoners' relatives were also being restored.

Officials said special emphasis was being placed on the education and social development of children at the juvenile borstal institutions in Faisalabad and Bahawalpur.

Under the Punjab Chief Minister Literacy Programme, 4,141 inmates have been enrolled for education. Under the "One Barrack, One Library" initiative, 472 prisoners have completed matriculation, 367 intermediate education and 140 graduation.

The chief minister was informed that market-oriented prison industries had become operational in 15 jails across Punjab. Samples of furniture, carpets, tuff tiles and melamine crockery manufactured by prisoners were presented during the meeting.

Prison industries are producing beauty soap, phenyl, washing powder, LED lights, footballs, gloves and garments, while inmates are receiving practical training in mobile phone repair, motorcycle and tractor repair, computer courses, welding and cooking.

The meeting also decided to implement a modern Remission Management System for prisoners. Officials said a free biometric verification system had already been introduced across Punjab's prisons.

To further strengthen prison security, voice and panic alert systems and X-ray scanners are being installed, while monitoring has been enhanced under the Integrated Criminal System Coordination mechanism. Eleven lock-ups, including those in Lahore, have also been upgraded.

Addressing the meeting, the chief minister said she could relate to every aspect of prison administration because she had personally experienced prison conditions.

"I can relate to every aspect of the jail because I have seen everything myself," she said, adding that the protection of prisoners' basic human dignity and rights would be ensured at all costs.

The secretary home gave a detailed briefing on prison reforms, and the chief minister appreciated the department's performance.

Officials informed the meeting that under the rational prisoner transfer system, 2,554 inmates had been shifted to prisons in their home districts since 2024. Audio and video call facilities are now available to prisoners across Punjab.

Punjab's prison capacity has increased from 30,000 to 39,000 inmates, while the current prison population ranges between 68,000 and 79,000. Undertrial prisoners account for 73 per cent of the total prison population.

The meeting was informed that prison capacity would be further expanded to 43,718 by 2027.

Five major prisons, including those in Faisalabad, Dera Ghazi Khan and Pindi Bhattian, have been shifted to solar energy.

From January to June 2026, some 91,266 prisoners underwent medical screening and treatment. The government has also engaged 74 professional psychologists to improve inmates' mental health.

Officials said prisoners were being provided three quality meals daily, including chicken, seasonal vegetables and lentils, while special menus were served on religious festivals.

Women prisoners have been provided hygiene kits and improved sanitation facilities. Inmates are also entitled to 80 minutes of weekly audio calls with their families through prison PCO facilities.

Religious education has been arranged for 30,000 prisoners, while sports and gymnasium facilities have also been established in prisons. Work has also begun on ensuring speedy trials and strengthening the probation and parole system.