Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed authorities to install air-conditioning in 30 prison vans used for transporting inmates as part of ongoing Punjab prison reforms. The directive was issued during a meeting chaired by the chief minister to review reforms in the province’s prison system.
During the meeting, officials presented a video review of the under-construction Nankana Sahib Jail. The chief minister approved Rs. 1.3 billion in funding to ensure the project is completed as soon as possible.
Maryam Nawaz also instructed the authorities to introduce special food supplements and nutrition programs for imprisoned mothers and children up to six years of age living in prisons. She further ordered the speedy construction of 27 additional barracks to help reduce overcrowding in jails.
The chief minister emphasized the need to improve prison facilities and welfare services, saying that inmates, especially women and children, should receive proper care and support during their stay in prison.
As part of the Punjab prison reforms, Maryam Nawaz also directed the establishment of a formal legal aid agency to provide free legal assistance to poor and underprivileged inmates who cannot afford to fight their court cases.