Key Takeaways
- Punjab has approved a 30-day remission for illiterate prisoners who complete a basic education program.
- The program aims to educate 19,578 prisoners, with 4,088 already released after passing the literacy examination.
- The initiative is part of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's prison reforms agenda.
Punjab has introduced a new literacy program for inmates, offering a 30-day remission to those who complete a basic education course. This initiative is part of the prison reforms agenda spearheaded by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
The Punjab Home Department has amended the Pakistan Prisons Rules 1978 to include this provision, which allows illiterate prisoners who complete an approved literacy program to receive a 30-day special remission.
The Literacy and Non-Formal Basic Education Department will issue certificates to prisoners who successfully complete the program, while the jail superintendent will grant the remission.
Since May 2026, an adult education program has been running in jails across the province. As of now, 19,578 prisoners have been taught, with 4,088 having been released after passing the literacy examination.
Currently, 4,173 prisoners are studying at 182 literacy centers in 43 jails across Punjab, including 3,986 men, 187 women, and 105 juvenile inmates.
According to the Punjab Home Secretary, the program aims to provide basic education to illiterate prisoners and transform jails into correctional centers focused on education, reform, rehabilitation, and reintegration into society.
Key objectives of the program include promoting education among inmates, building self-confidence, discipline, and positive thinking. The department is working towards transforming the prison system to better prepare inmates for reintegration into society.
The initiative is seen as a step towards reforming the prison system and providing inmates with the skills needed to lead productive lives upon release.
