Mental health programme launched for inmates

ABBOTTABAD:

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Prison Department, in collaboration with the Human Development Organisation (HDO), has launched an Integrated Mental Health and Livelihoods Development Programme at the Abbottabad District Prison. The initiative aims to assist inmates in reintegrating into society by addressing their psychosocial needs and providing economic development opportunities.

Renowned religious scholar Maulana Amjad Seed Qureshi, District Khateeb Mufti Abdul Wajid, Superintendent Abbottabad prison Muhammad Naeem Khan, Deputy Superintendent Hafiz Rashad Ahmed and the inmates from various barracks attended the event .

Speaking on the occasion, Superintendent Muhammad Naeem Khan said that the programme aligns with the correctional agenda of the Inspector General (IG) of Prisons, KP.

"The initiative will engage inmates in activities to promote socio-economic rehabilitation, helping them transform into self-reliant individuals after their release."

HDO Programme Director Muhammad Ahsan Khan highlighted the significance of the integrated approach. Based on HDO's 18 years of experience in providing psychosocial support, he noted that 80% of inmates commit poverty-driven survival crimes, leading to a cycle of poverty, trauma, mental health issues, and criminal tendencies.

He stressed that this integrated programme would address these interconnected challenges, enabling inmates to return to society with improved behaviour and livelihoods.

"Through this approach, inmates can overcome the stigma of incarceration and avoid recidivism by engaging in respectable earning activities," he said.

The programme includes psychological counselling, non-formal education, skill development (such as bead crafting), medical and legal assistance for inmates.