128 more prisoners to be released today

Punjab govt has released Rs223m to the prisons department for payment of fines

LAHORE: Around 128 more inmates, incarcerated in prisons across the province and unable to pay their fines, will be released today. The Punjab government has released a total of Rs223 million to the prisons department for this purpose.

Earlier, 550 prisoners were released after the government paid fines totalling Rs30 million. Before Eidul Fitr, the prisons department has completed all security arrangements for the prisoners’ release, as well as arranging their meetings and their food.

Prisons department IG Mirza Shahid Saleem Baig has directed that the leaves of all officials be cancelled on Eidul Fitr. He also directed that Eid prayers be performed at Lahore District Jail.

Further, the prisons department DIGs will offer Eid prayers in their respective region while the jail superintendents will offer prayers in their respective prisons.Speaking to The Express Tribune, Prisons department IG Mirza Shahid Saleem Baig said that more than 128 more prisoners will be released from different prisons across the province.

“There are hundreds of prisoners in the province who have completed their sentences but are still incarcerated because they have failed to pay fines,” he explained.

He added that prisoners will not be permitted to meet their relatives during the Eidul Fitr holidays. However, inmates will be allowed to have meals sent to them from their home during the first and second day, he stated.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 4^th, 2019.