Inspiration in a cell: Vocational training to be offered in central jails throughout K-P

GCF pushes for removing restrictions on NGOs working locally

PESHAWAR: Efforts put forth by Government Citizen Forum (GCF) to provide vocational training to inmates in Central Prison Peshawar have led to expansion of the programme.

A monthly meeting of the forum was attended by Home and Tribal Affairs Secretary Arbab Mohammad Arif, among others, in the city.

Arif voiced satisfaction over the vocational training programme being offered inside Central Prison Peshawar and decided to initiate similar programmes in other central jails throughout the province.

At the outset of the monthly meeting, Arif said the training was formally inaugurated by Adviser to the Chief Minister on Prisons Malik Qasim Khan Khattak couple of days ago and now a number of inmates are engaged in the training programme.

Expansion

Former provincial minister Haji Mohammed Javed announced the allocation of Rs1 million to start similar vocational training programmes in jails in Haripur and Mardan. Rubina Massey, a GCF member, said vocational training in jails must be given throughout Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. However, Javed said officials in jails are reluctant to support the trainers.

GCF member Bahramand Khan Tangi said a limited number of prisoners are allowed to attend classes, and the project should run for six months in every jail. Therefore, he suggested, “The government needs to ensure at least 500 prisoners are trained from each prison every six months.”

The participants suggested the government make Dr Waqar, the DIG for finance, a permanent member of the forum. Special Secretary for Home and Tribal Affairs Siraj Ahmad Has made assurances that their decision would be honoured.

After a detailed discussion, the forum decided to approach Higher Education Commission to include certain topics in law courses at both bachelor’s and master’s level. This included the release of prisoners on probation, payroll and other matters pertaining to human rights.

University of Peshawar Department of Conflict Studies Chairperson Professor Jamil said they will meet on January 5 to discuss the aforementioned proposal. Dr Anosh Khan, chairperson for Gender Studies at UoP, has also signed up to help the forum with its research on governance, gender equality and other areas.

GCF members also discussed the increasing restrictions on non-profit organisations. Bahramand said almost all national and international non-governmental organisations are pulling out of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. However, in comparison, they are encouraged in Punjab.  “The provincial government must realize its responsibility in this respect,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 22^nd, 2015.