Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered the installation of air conditioning in 30 prison transport vans used for transferring inmates, as part of a broader prison reform initiative aimed at improving living conditions and prisoner welfare across the province.
The directive was issued during a high-level meeting on prison reforms chaired by the chief minister, where officials also presented a video review of the under-construction Nankana Sahib Jail. Following the briefing, Maryam Nawaz approved Rs. 1.3 billion in funding to accelerate the completion of the new prison facility.
In addition to upgrading prisoner transport, the chief minister announced several welfare measures for inmates. She directed authorities to introduce special nutritional supplements and food programs for incarcerated mothers and children up to six years of age living in prisons, ensuring they receive better healthcare and nutrition.
To help reduce overcrowding in jails, Maryam Nawaz also instructed officials to expedite the construction of 27 additional prison barracks, allowing more capacity and improved accommodation for inmates.
Another major decision taken during the meeting was the establishment of a formal legal aid agency to provide legal assistance to poor and underprivileged prisoners who cannot afford to pursue their court cases. The initiative aims to improve access to justice and ensure that financially disadvantaged inmates receive proper legal representation.
The prison reform agenda reflects the Punjab government’s focus on modernizing correctional facilities while promoting humane treatment, better healthcare, and improved infrastructure within the prison system.
Officials have been directed to ensure the timely implementation of all approved reforms, with regular monitoring of progress. The government believes these measures will significantly improve prison management, enhance inmate welfare, and bring correctional facilities in Punjab closer to modern standards of rehabilitation and human rights.
The latest reforms are part of the provincial government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen public institutions and improve essential services across Punjab.
