• PROBLEMS OF LOW INCOME GROUPS TO BE ADDRESSED ON PRIORITY – WAFAQI MOHTASIB

• JAIL AUTHORITIESADVISED TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ZOOM FACILITIES FOR MEETING OF PRISONERS WITH RELATIVES

• 16 REPORTS SUBMITTED IN THE SUPREME COURT REGARDING IMPLEMENTATION OF JAIL REFORMS

Karachi, May 23, 2024: The process of implementation of the jail reforms is being carried out speedily under the directions of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and a number of steps have been initiated in Sindh province for provision of more facilities to the jail inmates. “Most of the jails in the province have biometric system which helps update the records of the prisoners and maintain liaison with the courts”.

These views were expressed by the Wafaqi Mohtasib, Mr. Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi while presiding over a high level meeting in the Chief Secretary Sindh’s office to review implementation of the Prison Reforms as assigned by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. It may be noted that 16 reports pertaining to the prison reforms have already been submitted to the Apex Court of Pakistan and the 17^th report would be submitted soon.

Earlier, he chaired an important meeting in the Wafaqi Mohtasib, Regional Office, which was also attended by the heads of the Federal Government agencies in Karachi. Speaking on the occasion, he instructed the Investigation Officers to make consistent efforts for early redressal of the problems being faced by the low income groups, which lack the means to hire lawyers or wait for indefinite period. He urged the respective heads of the Federal agencies to adopt peoples’ friendly attitude instrumental in promptly redressing their complaints to maintain public trust in their services. Stressing the need for greater outreach and accessibility, he encouraged the officers to undertake visits to the far-flung areas to address public grievances expeditiously closer to their homes.

Later, talking to media representatives, Wafaqi Mohtasib said that during the outgoing year 193,028 complaints were decided whereas more than 76,000 complaints have already been processed in the current year so far.

The Wafaqi Mohtasib was given a detailed presentation in the Chief Secretary’s Office regarding the conditions prevailing in jails in Sindh. During the briefing, the Wafaqi Mohtasib was informed that steps have already been initiated for connecting the biometric system with NADRA, police, prosecution department and other relevant government agencies. Efforts are also underway for construction of new jails in Thatta, Shaheed Benazirabad and Malir, whereas sites have been earmarked for setting up jails in Tharparker, Umerkot and Kashmore. He was informed that efforts are being made for provision of clean drinking water, washroom facilities, sports and recreation alogwith health and educational facilities. He advised the jail authorities to devise the procedure for providing facilities of meeting of the prisoners with their relatives through zoom/video link.

It was also informed that in some important jails women, children and transgenders are being kept in separate enclosures and efforts are being made to make such arrangements in other jails of the province too.