ISLAMABAD:
Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi has called for the establishment of new prison complexes in Rahim Yar Khan and Lahore, while reiterating his commitment to finalize the recommendations of all provincial prison reform committees within three months .
The Chief Justice expressed these views on Friday during a visit to Rahimyar Khan District Jail, where he also met 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 Judge Shahbaz Ali Rizvi, Supreme Court Registrar, District and Sessions Judge Rahim Yar Khan and Inspector General of Prisons Punjab.
According to a statement, this visit was part of his commitment to learn about the prison and the conditions of the inmates. “This is part of his determination to introduce substantial reforms to the criminal justice system of which prison is an integral part,” he said.
During the inspection of the district jail, the TJ reviewed the facilities provided to the inmates. He also visited the women’s and youth sections, the prison dispensary and the bakery and was satisfied.
He also met with tried and convicted prisoners.
The TJ pointed out that there are certain prisoners whose processes progress at a slow pace. He said the district and sessions judge should look into such cases of abnormal delay and ensure speedy resolution.
Justice Afridi also emphasized skill development of inmates to contribute to society after completing their prison term.
He highly valued the efforts of certain philanthropic organizations to provide additional health and educational services.
The Court of Justice also directed the district judiciary to avail the window of the Law and Justice Commission to pay fines of convicted prisoners and fund legal aid to deserving prisoners.
The senior judge appreciated the efforts of the prison warden to keep the prison premises in good condition.
Subsequently, the IG prison informed the CJ about the ongoing and planned infrastructure improvement program and provision of facilities to inmates.
The CJ expressed satisfaction over the improvement efforts and support provided by the Punjab government. However, he directed the IG to go ahead with the changes planned in the prison manual.
He said such improvement initiatives should be shared with the committee working on their behalf to focus on other areas that need attention.
He reiterated his commitment to finalize the recommendations of all provincial prison reform committees within three months. “There is a need to establish new prison complexes in Rahim Yar Khan and Lahore,” he added.
