Government fails to shift district jail outside city

Security jammers block cellphone signals creating problems for residents

RAHIM YAR KHAN:  

The plan to shift District Central Jail Rahim Yar Khan outside the city has failed due to the negligence of the government and the authorities concerned. The previous government had decided to shift the prison from the densely populated area to an open space but the project could not be initiated, Express News has learnt.

The old prison building is spread over 24 acres and is located in a densely populated area. The entire building, including the barracks and the residential quarters, were built in the 1950s and has surpassed its expiration date. Due to the security jammers that have been installed, several residents, including those living in and around Police Lines, Shaikh Zayed Hospital and nearby societies, cannot use their mobiles within their neighbourhood.

The prison was established in 1950 with a capacity for 316 prisoners. The barracks, staff’s quarters, mosque and ground are spread over 19 acres. On one side, the jail is falling apart, while on the other the structure is accommodating 550 inmates.

The residential quarters are in a shambles, while the roofs of the barracks have also weakened. Meanwhile, areas surrounding the jail have turned into densely populated neighbourhoods over a period of 68 years. The District Jail Rahim Yar Khan is surrounded by Police Lines, Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Shahid Park, Chak No 111-P, Babar Colony, Rangers Headquarters, private hospitals including Khawaja Fareed Postgraduate College, and various other commercial points. Residents living in the vicinity of the prison are unable to use their mobile phones because of security jammers.

In view of the situation, civil society and social communities in the district have appealed to elected representatives and the provincial minister for jails to relocate the prison in the outskirts of the city. Citizens have also demanded that the vacated land should be used for playgrounds and stadiums instead.