A number of recommendations made by the Pakistan Law Commission
(PLC) on Jail Reforms 1997 are yet to be implemented, however
amendments to relevant laws have been made to stop the use
of fetters in prisons, the National Assembly was told here
on Monday.
In a written reply to a question of Riaz
Fatiana, the NA was told that amendment to the prison
laws had been made to repeal the punishment of whipping
for jail offences in compliance with the abolition of
punishment of whipping act 1996.
In addition to this, prisoners have also
been given the right to appeal to inspector general prison
against major penalty to check the abuse of discretionary
powers of the superintendent. Besides, arrangements have
been made for the accommodation, food and education of
children accompanying convict women. However, there are
number of amendments which still need to be implemented
like the system of granting remission on account of acquiring
education and higher qualifications, arrangements for
the construction of separate prisons for women convicts
and juveniles, and proper education and training to women
prisoners and juvenile offenders.
The House was told that the upgradation
of Pakistani jails under the guidelines of United Nations
was being carried out. Overcrowding in jails is the main
cause of all ills. Prison departments of all the provinces
have already started expansion/extension in jails to meet
with congestion and to enhance the facilities for prisoners.
The provisions which are yet to be implemented
for want of funds or amendments in the relevant laws,
include construction of prisons in outskirts, improving
conditions of police/judicial lockups by equipping these
with facilities like fans, benches and toilets.
The facilities of outdoor games like football,
basketball, and indoor games have not been provided, while
the provision of keeping prisoners in a death cell as
per capacity is yet to be adhered to.
Similarly, the recommendation of reviving
sick industries in jails and encouraging private sector
for establishing industrial units in prisons are also
yet to be implemented.
The recommendation of PLC had also called
for strengthening the system of jail inspection so that
the judges of high courts and subordinate courts could
pay regular visits and give on-spot instructions regarding
cases of under-trial prisoners.
Similarly, proper facilities should be
provided to facilitate prisoners in meeting their relatives/friends.
Prisoners with good conduct should also be released on
short parole to meet their families and help them in tasks
like cultivation and harvesting of crops, the recommendations
said.
