Large-scale upgrade of Sindh jails planned

The Sindh Prisons Department announced plans for large-scale recruitment and infrastructure upgrades across jails in the province. According to official documents, 6,000 officers and personnel will be recruited in two phases. In the first phase 1,000 personnel will be recruited, while 5,000 in the second phase.

This decision comes in response to the rising prison population, which currently exceeds 25,500 inmates in jails across the province. As per legal standards, 4,000 staff members are required for every 13,000 prisoners.

To enhance communication and security within the prison system, the department will install a modern wireless system, CCTV surveillance, and establish a command and control room across various jails.

Plans also include the installation of scanners for inmate body searches and the construction of air-conditioned visitor halls equipped with comfortable seating and full amenities.

To address the transport shortage, the department has approved the purchase of 80 police vehicles and 40 ambulances. Proposals are also under review to revive IT training programmes and prison industries for inmates.

In a bid to ease overcrowding in Malir and Hyderabad jails, the newly constructed Landhi Extension Jail has been established, while Thatta Jail is set to be inaugurated next month. Both facilities are designed to accommodate 1,000 prisoners each.

Sewing centres have been established in women prisons, and computer labs have been set up in juvenile detention centres.