Elated on Eid: Delighted inmates released and sent home

Sessions judge orders release of prisoners involved in petty crime

LAHORE: District and Sessions Judge Abid Hussain Qureshi ordered the release of 80 prisoners, involved in petty crimes, from city jail to celebrate Eidul Azha with their beloved ones.

The district and session judge visited both the district and central jails to release prisoners involved in petty crime. He also examined the food being served, cleanliness measures and medical assistance provided to prisoners by jail authorities.

The judge passed the order to release these prisoners so they could be with their families on Eid rather than spending the same time behind bars.

The order by the judge filled the faces of inmates with joy and they not only applauded the decision, but also embraced each other. Some were even heard discussing that they would never turn to petty crime again.

The judge examined hospitals and barracks before ordering jail authorities to provide prisoners with better health facilities.

Some complained about the poor quality of food being provided to them. After hearing this, the judge expressed his dismay and ordered authorities to improve standards. He also distributed gifts among the prisoners, including women who were detained in the jail.

While talking to The Express Tribune, District and Session Judge Abid Hussain Qureshi said the fact that some prisoners were released to celebrate Eid with families was sending out a positive message to other inmates. He said that he heard several complaints from prisoners and assured they would be resolved in no time.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 2^nd, 2017.