KARACHI:
In Pakistan, crime rates are going up. We need to pay close attention to helping these criminals change their ways while they are in prison. If we ignore this important part, it keeps the cycle of crime going, and the criminals are more likely to commit crimes again instead of becoming better people.
Some countries like Norway and Sweden have done a good job at helping criminals change their ways. They have programmes in their prisons that help them become better people and not commit crimes again. But in Pakistan, prisons don’t have enough resources for these programmes. Instead of helping criminals change for the better, we focus more on punishing them. This doesn’t solve the real reasons why they commit crimes, so when they get out of prison, they are more likely to go back to their old ways.
Pakistan’s justice system needs to prioritise helping criminals change their ways. We need to give enough money and support to programs that we know work, like talking therapy, helping with drug problems and teaching new skills. Also, we should encourage criminals to talk to the people they hurt, so they can understand the harm they caused. By helping criminals become better people instead of just punishing them, we can make our communities safer and help them turn their lives around.
Gulab Umid
Turbat
Published in The Express Tribune, May 13th, 2024.
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