Maryam announces 3-month remission in sentences

LAHORE: Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced amnesty of three months in sentences and release of 155 prisoners across the province.

Maryam Nawaz Sharif, while addressing an Iftar dinner ceremony in Central Jail, Kot Lakhpat, on Sunday said that 155 prisoners were being released after paying Rs15 crore as Diyat with the cooperation of philanthropists. She visited the Central Jail, Kot Lakhpat, and broke fast with women prisoners. The CM also visited the cell where her father Nawaz Sharif remained during his period of imprisonment. She also met the jail staffers who were on duty when she was incarcerated. She inaugurated the allocated 20 beds hospital for the rehabilitation of drug addicts in the jail.

Maryam Nawaz also inaugurated the video call facility for prisoners. Central Jail Lahore is the first jail of its kind that will provide video call facility to prisoners across the globe. The CM also visited the kitchen of the jail. On the direction of CM, a special Iftar menu has been prepared for the prisoners who were presented with biryani, samosas, pakoras, fruits and dahi bharay in their Iftar.

The CM also distributed gifts among the prisoners who got released from the jail. On the direction of CM, every male prisoner getting released was given Rs15,000 along with clothes while women prisoners were given Rs15,000 per prisoner, clothes and bangles.

Former Senator Pervez Rasheed, Provincial Minister for Information & Culture Azma Bokhari, chief secretary, secretary home, special secretary home, IG Prisons Farooq Nazir and other concerned officials also accompanied her.

Meanwhile, for the first time in the history of Pakistan, more than 30 lac families have been provided Ramazan Nigheban Package at their doorstep. Rs30 billion Ramazan Nigheban Package was being provided to more than 3.25 crore people. The distribution process of Ramazan Nigheban Package to 64 lac families will be completed soon.

Maryam emphasized that it was our duty to provide people’s right at their doorstep and it does not amount to doing favour to anyone.

A special Helpline 0800- 02345 for the Ramazan Nigheban Package has been set up where people can register their complaints. Every complaint will be redressed within 72 hours, sources said.