Punjab jails to allocate barracks for beggars

Jaranwala: Punjab Home Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal has directed the allocation of barracks for beggars in jails across Punjab.

He emphasised that the beggar mafia will face strict legal action and imprisonment.

Additionally, Mengal has instructed that guest rooms in Punjab jails be upgraded to international standards, including air conditioning in meeting rooms during the summer.

During a visit to District Jail Faisalabad, Mengal directed the health screening of prisoners across the province.

He inspected various facilities, including the visitors' room, kitchen, prison hospital, and men’s and women’s barracks.

Observing the quality of food, he mandated monthly surprise inspections by the Food Authority and the use of food-grade utensils in prison kitchens.

Jail staff will also receive training from a private consultant on food preparation and hygiene practices.

Earlier, Mengal presided over a high-level law and order meeting at the Commissioner’s Office in Faisalabad.

Mengal reviewed actions against criminal gangs, drug mafias, and electricity thieves, and announced the upgradation of the Punjab Forensic Science Agency to the regional level, ensuring rapid availability of forensic test results for serious crimes.

Mengal also stressed the importance of foolproof security arrangements for Chinese nationals working in the region, insisting on the deployment of top professional resources.

He directed strict adherence to SOPs during the movement of Chinese personnel. Additionally, Mengal instructed the administration to ensure security in cattle markets and mosques ahead of Eidul Azha.

Commissioner Faisalabad provided an update on the law and order situation, including the establishment of 20 temporary sale points for sacrificial animals.

RPO Faisalabad and other officials reported on regional security issues and district-level law and order conditions.

Attendees included Commissioner Faisalabad Silwat Saeed, RPO Dr Muhammad Abid Khan, Deputy Commissioner Abdullah Nair Sheikh, CPO Kamran Adil, and other district officials via video link.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 30th, 2024.