Faisalabad boasts of first ISO certified prison in country

Jail administration aims to transform prisons into reform centres

FAISALABAD:

DIG Faisalabad Prisons Chaudhry Saeedullah Gondal has said that the city has received a great privilege to have the first International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) certified prison of Pakistan in addition to establishing the first display centre for the exhibition of different products made by the inmates.

Addressing the business community at the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI), he appreciated the cooperation extended by the local philanthropists for upgrading the jail infrastructure to facilitate the prisoners.

He said a comprehensive strategy had been evolved in collaboration with the business community to transform prisons into reform houses.

He said that the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) has set up a centre in the district jail to provide much-needed skills to the jail inmates.

"The skills provided to prisoners will help them start their own businesses after their release from the jail," the DIG said.

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He said during the last six months, at least five convicts were released from the prison with the financial help of the business community.

A list of potential cases fit for reconciliation will be shared with the FCCI to contribute its role in this noble cause.

Responding to a question, he said religious classes were organised daily for the spiritual grooming and consolation of the inmates and at least 40 inmates have enrolled themselves in Hafiz-e-Quran class.

Literacy centres have also been established, where well qualified and educated inmates work as teachers.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 15^th, 2021.