CJ committed to prison reforms

Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi has called for establishing new prison complexes in Rahim Yar Khan and Lahore while reiterating his commitment to finalize recommendations of all provincial prison reforms committees within 3 months.

The CJ expressed these views on Friday during a visit to District Prison Rahimyar Khan, where he also met with prisoners including women and children.

This was the third day of his visit to remote areas of the country.

During the visit he was accompanied by Lahore High Court's Justice Shahbaz Ali Rizvi, the Supreme Court registrar, Rahim Yar Khan's district and sessions judge and Punjab's inspector general of prisons.

According to a statement, this visit was part of his commitment to get a glimpse of the prison and inmates' conditions. "This is part of his determination to introduce substantive reforms in the criminal justice system of which prison is an integral part," it said.

During the inspection of the district jail, the CJ reviewed the facilities provided to the inmates. He also visited the female and juvenile sections, the jail dispensary and bakery and showed satisfaction.

He also met the under trial and convicted prisoners.

The CJ noted that there are certain prisoners whose cases whose proceedings are moving at slow pace. He said the district and sessions judge should examine such cases of abnormal delay and ensure speedy disposal.

Justice Afridi also emphasized skill development of the inmates so that they contribute towards the society after completing their jail term.

He highly appreciated the efforts of certain philanthropic organizations in providing additional facilities of health and education.

The CJ also directed the district judiciary to avail window of the Law and Justice Commission in payment of fines of convicted prisoners and financing of legal aid to deserving inmates.

The top judge appreciated the efforts of the jail superintendent in maintaining the premises of the prison in good condition.

Later on, the IG prison briefed the CJ on the ongoing and planned infrastructure improvement programme and provision of facilities to the inmates.

The CJ expressed his satisfaction with the upgrading efforts and support provided by the government of Punjab. He, however, directed the IG to move ahead on his planned changes in the prison manual.

He said such improvement initiatives should be shared with the committee working on his behalf so that it focuses on other areas which need attention.

He reiterated his commitment for finalizing recommendations of all provincial prison reforms committees within 3 months. "There is a need to establish new prison complexes in Rahim Yar Khan and Lahore," he added.