IT is time the theory of punishment was revised to turn all jails into ‘jail-cum-industry.

Prisoners who have committed different offences like dacoity, drug addiction and are involved in acts of terrorism are detained in jail under one roof. Moreover, all expenses on their residence, food, health,. etc., are a burden on the jail management, i.e. the government.

Moreover, owing to the weak system of punishment, the ratio of crime in society is increasing day by day. Therefore, the 100-year-old jail system needs special attention in order to be upgraded according to the need of the time.

In each district, besides courts, there should be a jail-cum-industry where the guilty should be detained not only for simple imprisonment to enjoy rest, food and sleep but must do work in that jail-cum-economic unit. This will not only reduce crime but will also help to improve the economy and release the pressure on jails/government.

According to the nature of their offences, prisoners should be separated from prisoners guilty of heinous crime. Moreover, during their stay in the jail-cum-inndustry they should have the right to meet their spouses, children and others. They should also be taught good citizen syllabus course.

To reduce the incidence of crime in a society, there is a need to implement the law that punishes violators.

Imran Javed Qureshi
Member, HRCP
Lahore

Published in Dawn, December 29th, 2014