Spreading awareness: GCF recommends students learn about probation, parole

UoP social work chairperson to design module to present to HEC

PESHAWAR: A sub-committee of the Government Citizen Forum (GCF) met on Friday to discuss reforming the litigation and prosecution process as well as prisons in the province. One of the ideas was to offer classes teaching about probation and parole at the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels.

Dr Jamil Ahmad, the director of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS), at the University of Peshawar (UoP), chaired the meeting. Khyber Law College Principal Professor Dr Fayyazur Rahman, among others, also attended the meeting.

“Through education about parole and probation, we can sensitise people from both the bar and benches. This will help those involved in criminal activities reintegrate into society as contributing citizens,” said Ahmad.

UoP Department of Social Work Chairperson Dr Basharat Hussain informed participants he planned to design a module teaching these subjects in detail. “All proposals and suggestions given by the participants will be considered for the module, which will be presented to the Higher Education Commission,” he said.

Hussain said the module will be discussed with all stakeholders like those working for the Pakistan Bar Council, and the government. Hussain will also hold meetings with Prosecution Director General Shafirullah Khan Wazir and Probation Director Naimatullah Khan.

Parole and probation include processes by which a convicted prisoner is released on surety or guarantee and/or he or she is released on the condition they will volunteer with the police.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 9^th, 2016.