Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Minister, Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, took a significant step towards reforming the provincial prison system with the official launch of the newly established Prison Management Information System (PMIS) and the E-Visit App. These initiatives represent the provincial government’s commitment to modernizing prison operations and enhancing the welfare of inmates, marking a key development in the broader prison reforms across the region.
During a comprehensive briefing, officials provided an overview of the Prison Management Information System, which has fully digitized prison operations across the province. The PMIS interconnects all 39 prisons in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, creating a centralized system that links the prison network with the judicial system. This interconnected platform streamlines operations and ensures better coordination among various institutions. Additionally, the PMIS facilitates virtual court hearings via video links, significantly reducing the need for physical transfers of inmates for court appearances. This not only ensures the safety and security of inmates but also helps in minimizing the burden of transportation logistics, offering a more efficient approach to the judicial process.
Alongside the PMIS, the newly launched E-Visit App has been introduced to improve communication between inmates and their families. This app allows online meetings, eliminating the need for in-person visits, and providing a more convenient and safer way for families to stay connected with their loved ones incarcerated in prisons. The app is expected to improve the mental and emotional well-being of inmates, who will no longer face the challenges of arranging physical visits, thus enhancing their overall rehabilitation process.
In addition to the technological advancements, the provincial government has also focused on enhancing the physical and mental welfare of inmates. It was revealed that the government is allocating Rs. 1.2 billion annually to fund inmate meals. After seven years, the prison food menu has been revised to ensure inmates are provided with a more balanced and nutritious diet, which is essential for their well-being and health. The government is also working to align prison regulations with international standards, specifically the Mandela Rules and Bangkok Rules, which promote humane treatment and rights for prisoners.
Healthcare for inmates has seen considerable improvements with the introduction of modern medical equipment and enhanced healthcare facilities within prisons. Moreover, physical and mental health initiatives have been introduced, including sports competitions within the prisons. These activities not only promote physical fitness but also help in the rehabilitation of prisoners by giving them a positive outlet. Vocational training programs have also been launched to equip inmates with various skills, which can help them reintegrate into society upon their release and provide them with opportunities for financial independence.
Furthermore, the provincial government has revitalized the prison industry and connected it to the marketplace, providing inmates with a chance to earn and contribute to their own rehabilitation. This initiative not only helps in reducing the financial burden on the state but also serves as a form of vocational training that can benefit inmates upon their reintegration into society.
In a significant move towards reducing overcrowding in prisons, 317 inmates from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, who had been previously held in prisons in Punjab, have been transferred back to their home province. This relocation aims to ensure better living conditions and management of prisoners while addressing the issue of overcrowding, which has long been a challenge for the prison system.
The provincial government is also prioritizing the construction and development of new prisons across the province. The completion of District Jail Swabi and Central Jail DI Khan is expected to help alleviate the overcrowding issue by increasing the capacity of the prison system. Moreover, funds have been approved for the construction of a new prison in District Tank, which will further enhance the province’s ability to manage its prison population. To streamline prison management, five regional prison offices have been made operational, further decentralizing the management of the prison system to improve efficiency and oversight.
In terms of security, the provincial government has allocated Rs. 1.39 billion for the acquisition of modern security equipment for prisons, ensuring a higher level of safety and reducing the risk of security breaches. Modern interview rooms have also been built to provide safe and convenient spaces for inmate-family meetings, ensuring privacy and security during these interactions.
Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur commended the relevant officials for their efforts in launching the Prison Management Information System and implementing other crucial reform initiatives. He described the event as a landmark moment in the journey of prison reforms and expressed his gratitude to the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for their cooperation. He emphasized that this partnership has been instrumental in improving the prison system and advancing inmate welfare in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the provincial government’s goal is to establish a modern prison system founded on justice, transparency, and humanity. He assured that all available resources will be utilized to achieve this vision and to ensure the successful implementation of the reforms.
In addition to the prison reforms, Chief Minister Gandapur also officially inaugurated the newly established Service Delivery Center-II at the Mohafiz Khana. This center is designed to improve public service delivery and enhance the efficiency of government operations.
With the launch of these initiatives, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government is not only revolutionizing the prison system but also setting a new standard for inmate rehabilitation and welfare in Pakistan. The focus on digitization, welfare, vocational training, and infrastructure development signals a significant shift towards modernizing the criminal justice system in the province, which is expected to serve as a model for other regions in the country.
