LAHORE: The Punjab Home Department has amended the 125-year-old prison laws, bringing them up to the mark of international standards.
Special provisions have been made for prisoners will mental illnesses, as well as those who do not speak the local languages. Women and children prisoners have been given special attention while introducing amendments.
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According to the spokesperson of the Punjab Home Department, 138 prison laws have been changed and brought into line with modern requirements. The amendments to the prison laws were made to protect human rights and comply with international laws, he added.
Innovation and changes in prison laws will facilitate prisoners, their families as well as the administration, the spokesperson said.
The Home Department has decided to send a summary for approval of the amendments to the prison laws. The laws have given special attention to the rights of women prisoners and children.
As per the amended laws, treatment facilities will be provided for prisoners suffering from mental illnesses. The punishment and reward mechanisms for prisoners have been made systemic and made subject to discipline.
A system has been devised to give prisoners the right to appeal against punishment as well. Some additions, like this, already exist in the constitution of Pakistan and have always been available to the prisoners. However, now they have been brought to the forefront.
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According to the Home Department spokesperson, consular assistance is made available to foreign prisoners, in accordance with international laws. Now non-Pakistani prisoners will also be able to hear the proceedings of their cases in their own language.
The appointment of a medical officer, psychologist and welfare officer has also been made mandatory in every prison.