Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi chaired a high-level meeting on Thursday to assess the progress of various development initiatives underway in the province’s prison system.
A spokesperson informed that a total of 38 development projects are in progress across Punjab’s jails, including 34 ongoing and four newly launched schemes, with an overall budget of Rs28 billion, out of which Rs9 billion has already been spent.
These initiatives include the construction of new prisons, modern barracks for inmates, medical facilities, kitchen upgrades, and visitor sheds. Notably, the Lahore Prison Complex is being constructed with an estimated cost of Rs6 billion and is designed to accommodate 10,000 inmates. Additionally, a new district jail in Sialkot is under construction for Rs4.8 billion, with space for 2,000 prisoners.
Dr. Qazi instructed the relevant authorities to ensure that all projects are executed transparently and meet quality standards. He noted that Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz is closely monitoring the implementation of the prison reform strategy.
Highlighting a rehabilitation-oriented approach, the Home Secretary reiterated the principle of “hate the crime, not the criminal.” He also urged jail officials to take proactive steps for dengue prevention and general preparedness during the monsoon season.
Dr. Qazi reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance stance against corruption and emphasized strict adherence to the Home Department’s prison reform guidelines.
The meeting was attended by Inspector General of Prisons Mian Farooq Nazir, Additional Secretary Prisons Asim Raza, and other senior officials, while regional DIGs and jail superintendents joined the session via video conference.
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