Mobile jammers

This is to draw the attention of the authorities to an important and serious issue regarding the installation of mobile phone jammers in Punjab’s prisons. As we all know that the purpose of these jammers is to secure prison and to avoid any unpleasant event which would occur due to the rampant use of mobile phones by inmates. Undoubtedly, for keeping a check and balance on activities of the inmates, these mobile jammers are quite useful. But these jammers have proved to be problematic for people living near a jail. They are so strong that they block all mobile communication services, including receiving calls and sending text messages, for people living within four to five km of a jail.

Many people are affected by these jammers as a majority of jails are situated in the centre of cities of Punjab. Hence, people living near a jail are deprived of mobile communication services, including the internet services provided by cellular network. This is not only a clear violation of basic human rights, but also a great headache for surrounding shopkeepers/businessmen. The authorities should take serious notice of the situation and set the range of these jammers to a level that would cover only the inside area of the jail so that people living near a jail can use mobile phones.

Muhammad Munawar Rathoor

Jhang