Director jail reforms says civil society organisations must be allowed back inside. STOCK IMAGE
While visiting Central Prison Haripur, Musarrat said such activities, arranged by civil society organisations, must resume as they were crucial for the rehabilitation of inmates. COMSATS representatives and members of the media were also present.
She handed over some books to prison authorities for children and adult prisoners. Talking about the importance of education, she said it played a vital role in making attitudes more positive. Musarrat revealed the Federal Ombudsman’s office would invite renowned institutions like COMSATS and Allama Iqbal Open University to offer their services.
Lifting the ban on NGOs
When her attention was drawn towards the ban on prisoner welfare activities of NGOs, she said the security situation was improving rapidly. Musarrat added such organisations would be allowed to resume work in the next 30 days.
She said the launch of welfare-oriented activities, especially education and psychological rehabilitation, would help inmates become responsible citizens upon their release.
She visited different barracks and cells of the jail, especially the juvenile and women sections, to inquire about the problems faced by prisoners.
Over the last few months, the jail administration suspended activities of NGOs. Other activities such as free medical and legal aid, counseling, education, tailoring training, embroidery, English language classes and computer courses also came to a halt. Haripur jail has over 2,500 inmates which include convict and those under trial.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 17th, 2015.
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