PHC seeks implementation report on prison reforms

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Friday directed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Home Department and the Inspector General (IG) of Prisons to submit a report on the implementation of decisions about prison reforms made during a meeting held on November 2, 2024.

According to a letter issued by the PHC registrar to the additional chief secretary of the Home Department and the IG Prisons, the meeting was chaired by Senior Puisne Judge Justice Ejaz Anwar. It was attended by senior officials, including the additional chief secretary and the IG Prisons.

The meeting discussed the transfer of high-profile prisoners from prisons in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Mianwali and Sahiwal prisons in Punjab. The additional chief secretary was instructed to expedite the necessary arrangements.

The meeting resolved to take up with the Punjab authorities the transfer of prisoners from other provinces currently held in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa prisons.Other directives included expediting Phase-II construction of Peshawar Central Prison, transferring inmates from overcrowded Nowshera Jail to Mardan Jail, and relocating prisoners from Swabi Jail to a newly constructed facility.

The registrar’s letter asked the officials to submit updates on the progress of these measures, as the matter would be presented before Justice Ejaz Anwar for further action. The court had previously ordered stakeholders to take immediate steps to resolve issues faced by prisoners and implement comprehensive reforms.

The PHC’s senior puisne Judge had directed relevant authorities to address grievances of the prisoners and ensure the timely execution of reforms. The authorities had been instructed to submit a report detailing the actions taken so far in line with the decisions made on November 2, 2024.