SIALKOT, Feb 1: No practical step has yet been taken to build a new jail here despite an announcement by the government after July 25, 2003, tragedy.

The 141-year-old jail is still overcrowded. The building, constructed in 1863, has recently been declared dangerous.

The provincial and district governments had planned to shift the jail after building a new prison on the Sialkot-Pasrur Road near Model Town No 2. But, no step has so far been taken.

DCO Tahir Raza Naqvi said the jail plan was in the pipeline. However, the plan awaited nod from the high-ups, he added. Around 2,500 prisoners have been kept here against the capacity of 662, said jail superintendent Yusaf Ghouri.

He said the jail administration had taken practical steps for the betterment of prisoners. Of the 2,500 prisoners, 375 had been awarded death, 19 women and 65 children, he added.

He said 15 prisoners had joined computer diploma courses. The jail administration had hired the services of a religious teacher to enable prisoners to read the holy Quran and learn about the teachings of Islam.

He said that the prisoners were also being provided health facilities. Four judges and five prisoners, who allegedly had taken them hostage while on a routine visit, were killed in a shootout with police on July 25.