Inspecting cells: District judge reviews situation at Jhelum prison

Appreciates counselling services provided to inmates

JEHLUM: The Jhelum District and Sessions Judge Irfan Ahmed Saeed, Judicial Magistrate Najam Ayub and Jail Superintendent Farakh Sultan visited the district jail on Saturday and reviewed the situation inside the prison.

During his visit, Judge Saeed visited the jail kitchen, the jail hospital, women’s ward and all barracks. He reviewed the facilities being provided to prisoners there.

He met with and listened to the issues faced by inmates who were either under trial or had been sentenced in different cases.

Judge Saeed also visited death row and inspected the cells of condemned prisoners.

Death row prisoners urged Judge Saeed to hear their appeals, however, the district and sessions judge directed them to approach the relevant courts to appeal their sentences through their lawyers.

Judge Saeed was told that prisoners who are addicted to drugs and those suffering mental health issues are provided treatment and counselling in the jail.

While appreciating the move, Judge Saeed spoke in detail with some of the prisoners who were being provided treatment.

He inquired after their mental focus and noted that the provision of professional help had brought about a significant change in the behaviour of such inmates. 

Published in The Express Tribune, October 28^th, 2018.