Haripur Central Jail: from prison to correctional facility
Central Jail Haripur on Monday reopened its doors with a unique focus on rehabilitating its inmates via vocational training after a closure of 15 years.
The prison has initiated an array of vocational training programmes that are making a substantial impact on the lives of more than 82 prisoners. Inside the prison, inmates are actively participating in various vocational training programmes such as woodworking, fish farming, shoemaking, pottery, tailoring, agriculture and carpentry.
Female inmates are also being equipped with valuable sewing and tailoring skills. Some inmates, including Javed, Saraj, Bashir, Muhammad Karim, Zeshan Haider, and Spin Gul, have shared that their previous experiences in prison were marked by considerable challenges. They wrestled with emotional burdens associated with separation from their families and financial hardships during their incarceration.
Nonetheless, their unwavering dedication and the training they've acquired have led to a remarkable transformation in their lives. These individuals have not only become proficient in their newfound skills but have also started earning income for themselves, all while positively impacting their families.
The prison administration's tireless efforts have empowered these inmates with these valuable skills, facilitating a smoother reintegration process into society.
Currently, qualified instructors within the prison offer formal training and upon successful completion, inmates are awarded diplomas. Superintendent Jail Umair Khan emphasised that they are presently offering training in five trades to 82 inmates, with intentions to incorporate steelwork and welding trades in the near future.
He highlighted the initiative of cultivating vegetables. Despite possessing only 12 acres of land, the prison has achieved an impressive feat, yielding vegetables valued at Rs2.2 million.
The revival of Central Jail Haripur as a centre for rehabilitation and skill development is not only transforming the lives of its inmates but also serving as a model for other correctional facilities to follow suit.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 5th, 2023.