Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has initiated a significant reform in its prison system by establishing virtual visiting points in central and district jails. This development was discussed in a review meeting on prison reforms in the province, chaired by Federal Ombudsman Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi and Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry.

According to Directorate General Information and PRs, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the meeting included various officials such as the Additional Chief Secretary Interior, Advocate General, Provincial Ombudsman, DG Prosecution, IG Prisons, and others. Additional Chief Secretary Interior Department Abid Majeed briefed the meeting about the new virtual visiting system, which allows people from remote areas to meet prisoners online, enhancing accessibility and convenience.

The meeting also highlighted other prison reforms, including the establishment of a model interview room in District Jail Mansehra for prisoner meetings, with plans to extend this facility to other jails. Clinics have been set up in 18 prisons with private organization support, providing necessary medical facilities for prisoners.

The Provincial Supervisory Committee has conducted seven meetings to review prison facilities, while the Provincial and District Supervisory Committees have made 18 and 156 prison visits, respectively. It was reported that minor children and women prisoners are being kept separately and are provided with necessary facilities.

Federal Ombudsman Ejaz Ahmed Qureshi expressed satisfaction with the prison reforms in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and urged continuous efforts to improve prisons and increase their capacity. Chief Secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry emphasized that prison reforms are a priority for the provincial government. He noted that providing free education and vocational training to prisoners has had positive outcomes, helping rehabilitate them into useful citizens.

The meeting concluded with Chief Secretary Chaudhry presenting products made by prisoners in various Khyber Pakhtunkhwa prisons to Federal Ombudsman Qureshi, showcasing the skills developed by inmates as part of their rehabilitation process.

Source: Directorate General Information and PRs, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa