Islamabad: The Federal Secretary for Human Rights, Mr. Allah Dino Khowaja, chaired the 8th meeting of the Implementation Commission on Prison Reforms, focusing on issues such as overcrowding and healthcare in prisons. The meeting emphasized the need for a comprehensive file management system for prisoners and the establishment of a new prison in Islamabad Capital Territory to address insufficient facilities for under-trial prisoners.

According to Press Information Department, the session was attended by Home Secretaries from Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and senior officials from various ministries and departments. Discussions included the construction of hospitals and residential facilities for jail staff, and the adoption of Punjab’s model of healthcare services within prisons. The Ministry of Human Rights’ initiative to establish Day Care Centers in jails was also highlighted, aiming to support incarcerated mothers and children.

The Sindh Prisons Department was requested to share their Prisons and Corrections Services Act and Rules of 2019 to facilitate legislative alignment across provinces. Provinces were encouraged to consider a Resident Jail Ombudsman for swift redressal of prisoner complaints. The Commission urged all provinces to review their prison rules in line with international standards, such as the Nelson Mandela and Bangkok Rules. The draft rules for ICT prisons would be reviewed to ensure compliance with these standards, with an emphasis on strengthening legal aid mechanisms and oversight systems.