Equitable treatment for inmates stressed

LAHORE : The introduction of jail reforms in Punjab, enabling prisoners to make telephone and video calls to their relatives and lawyers, has been widely praised as a step forward in improving the rights and welfare of incarcerated individuals.

However, glaring as well as much need reforms remain in ensuring equitable treatment for vulnerable groups, including women and children detained under sensitive charges. Advocate Sarmad Ali, a staunch human rights activist and legal expert providing pro bono legal assistance to women and children in Punjab, has raised concerns about the exclusionary implementation of these reforms. In a letter to the Punjab Home Department and Inspectorate General of Punjab Prisons, Advocate Sarmad Ali commended the reforms but highlighted lacking. As per official records, 25 women are currently detained in Punjab's prisons under blasphemy charges, with three sentenced to death and two to life imprisonment. Despite the provisions of the reforms, women and children in such sensitive cases face systemic neglect and discrimination.