Lahore: Secretary Home Punjab, Noor-ul-Amin Mengal, discussed the implementation of a new Community Service Model for probationers across the province during a meeting with a delegation from the U.S. Embassy’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Bureau (INL). The model aims to engage 40,000 probationers in community service roles, tailored to their skills and educational backgrounds, to foster their transformation into productive societal members.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab announcement issued on 11 September 2024, the discussion took place at the Civil Secretariat with INL’s Program Officer, Garhett Mecham. The meeting highlighted the collaborative efforts and recent reforms in law enforcement, the probation, and parole systems. Secretary Mengal elaborated on the specifics of the Community Service Model, which will now include defined community service requirements and durations within the probationers’ court orders. Tasks will be assigned based on each individual’s educational and technical capabilities.

The model is designed not only to benefit society but also to support the rehabilitation of the probationers. Garhett Mecham commended the Punjab government’s initiative, noting its potential to yield substantial annual savings and expressing enthusiasm for continued partnership in justice and law enforcement advancements.

The meeting also saw participation from local academic and government officials, including Special Secretary Home Fazal-ur-Rehman, Additional Secretary Prisons Asim Raza, DG Probation and Parole Service Shahid Iqbal, Deputy Secretary Home Tasneem Ahmed, and professors from leading Lahore universities.