Islamabad: Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar has announced that comprehensive reforms are being introduced in the prison system across the country. Addressing the National Conference on Prison Reforms in Islamabad, he emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring equal treatment for all prisoners and providing relief to inmates separated from their families. Tarar highlighted the need to transform prison culture and align prison laws with contemporary requirements.
According to Radio Pakistan, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif stated that institutional reforms have been implemented in the province's prisons to prevent unnecessary suffering for prisoners. Punjab, which operates one of the largest correctional systems in Pakistan with 45 prisons, has installed emergency call and panic buttons in prison cells. Technology-driven initiatives, such as an online appointment facility for jail visits, are now available for prisoners throughout the province.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah remarked that the provincial government is focused on developing a more efficient, humane, and rehabilitative justice system. The Sindh government has adopted a modern prison management framework, and legislation has been introduced to ensure prisoners' welfare, healthcare, education, vocational training, legal aid, and community corrections.
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti highlighted the province's shift from a traditional custodial model to a modern correctional service framework centered on rehabilitation, reintegration, and public safety. Bugti noted that prison reforms remain a key priority, with a comprehensive program being implemented to strengthen correctional administration and manage prisons and judicial lock-ups effectively.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi discussed the provincial government's introduction of prison reforms to safeguard prisoners' rights. Security at prisons has been enhanced, and vocational training programs have been launched for inmates. Small industrial units established within prisons enable prisoners to earn livelihoods for their families. Additionally, an e-visit facility and rehabilitation centers for drug addicts have been introduced, with over 1,600 individuals receiving treatment.
The conference concluded with the signing of the Islamabad Declaration on Prison Reform by the chief ministers of all four provinces.