Govt approves Special Branch inspection of prisons

Decision taken after growing complaints from prisoners

LAHORE:

The government of Punjab has given permission to the Special Branch of police to inspect prisons across the province.

Punjab Home Department, the supervisory department of prisons, has written a letter to the additional inspector general (AIG) Special Branch, conveying approval of its officials’ visits to different jails of the province.

According to the terms of reference (TORs), the Special Branch officials or teams can inspect visitation system of the prisoners with their relatives to ensure whether the meetings are being conducted as per the rules and SOPs outlined for coronavirus pandemic prevention.

The letter also issued guidelines for prioritising the safety and security of the prisoners and their visitors during inspections.

The visits are to primarily focus on the plight of the prisoners and report their grievances.

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Moreover, the guidelines direct the inspection teams to ensure that the administration of jail is not jeopardised while having an eye on exploitation and report details ensuring secrecy of all security apparatus regarding the custody of inmates, especially high-profile prisoners.

Prisons department has its own inspectorate for checking the welfare and other matters of the prisoners.

Sources told The Express Tribune that the complaints of the prisoners had been pouring in at such a fast pace that the government had to bestow powers to the Special Branch for evaluating their condition.

Punjab government has authorised the Special Branch officials to interview the relatives of the prisoners as well as examine the visitation areas and other provided facilities.

Reportedly, the provincial government has provided a PCO calling facility for the prisoners to call their relatives. The special teams would observe if the facility is being granted to incarcerated individuals or not.

Other areas of inspection focus include prisoner property accounts, rate list of canteen, access to banking service and provision of basic items at market rate.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 29^th, 2020.