HARIPUR: The provincial government is striving for jail reforms to enable prisoners to become law-abiding and self-dependent citizens after release, said additional deputy commissioner (human rights and relief) Mohammad Abid on Monday.

He said this during a visit to the Haripur prison here along with lawyer Gulnaz Rasheed, clinical psychologist Sahira Bibi and another member of the jail oversight committee.

They visited the jail hospital, general and psychiatry wards, and barracks of women and juveniles, and asked prisoners about their needs and issues.

The ADC said the government was committed to reforming prisons with a focus on the rehabilitation of inmates through psychological therapies, formal learning and provision of livelihood skills.

He said the district administration would take up the issues raised by jail authorities and prisoners with the relevant government departments for corrective measures.

The women prisoners demanded the provision of warm clothes and sweaters for the winter season.

The ADC promised the early supply of those goods.

Earlier, jail superintendent jail Umair Khan briefed visitors about the number of prisoners and their rehabilitation, education, healthcare and skill development.

He said on the directive of the provincial inspector general (prisons), the Haripur jail had opened a detoxification centre for the drug addict inmates.

Mr Khan said a psychiatrist was counselling registered patients in groups and the process would continue until their complete recovery.

He also highlighted the matters related to dentistry and psychiatry wards.

CHAMPIONSHIP: The Government Higher Secondary School Jhamra Ghazi won the district tug-of-war championship.

The Government Higher Secondary School Kotnajibullah stood second in event, which was jointly organised by the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Abbottabad and Government Higher Secondary School for Boys Kotnajibullah.

Colleges and higher secondary schools from across Hazara division took part in it.

Government Postgraduate College for Boys principal Prof Sajjad Khan was the guest of honour on the occasion, who gave away prizes to the teams.

Principal of the Government Higher Secondary School Kotnajibullah Amir Atiq Siddiqui also addressed participants.

Published in Dawn, November 29th, 2022