LAHORE, July 23: Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi said on Friday the government was committed to bringing about positive change in jails with special emphasis on reformation of prisoners and checking overcrowding.

He said this at a ceremony held at the District Jail on Ferozepur Road where he announced the release of 521 prisoners. Of them, 150 had already completed their terms but were languishing in jail for failing to pay fine. The remaining 371 were involved in petty crimes. Philanthropists had paid Rs2.6 million for their release.

The chief minister said another sum of Rs13.6 million was needed for the release of prisoners lodged in different jails of the province. "We want all such prisoners to be free. We are doing our best to do it at the earliest."

He said with their release overcrowding in jails would be reduced. There were three-time more prisoners than the capacities of jails, he said. Mr Pervaiz said the government was also making efforts for improvement of food and health facilities in the prisons besides security arrangements.

He claimed the government had been providing an additional Rs100 million for food and Rs40 million for health annually. He said he had himself been in Adiala Jail and was, therefore, aware of the problems of the prisoners. He said at least 4,500 people involved in petty crimes had been released during the last one year.

He congratulated the prisoners who had achieved positions in various examinations during imprisonment. He directed the administration to award special prizes and concession to them. He hoped that the prisoners would prove to be law abiding citizens after their release.