Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has introduced a new policy allowing prisoners to spend time with their immediate families inside jail premises.
This initiative, the first of its kind in Punjab, allows eligible inmates to temporarily live with their spouses and young children in specially allocated family rooms.
A Punjab Home Department spokesperson explained that prisoners serving sentences longer than five years can apply to use these family rooms.
The policy permits up to three visits per year, with each visit lasting a maximum of three consecutive days. During these stays, inmates may be joined by their wives and children under six years old, and complimentary meals will be provided.
To access this facility, an application must be submitted by either the inmate or their spouse to the prison superintendent. The superintendent will then request written authorization from the relevant Deputy Commissioner. Once approval is granted, the family stay will be scheduled accordingly.
This reform aims to support family bonds and promote the well-being of inmates and their loved ones during incarceration.
