ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Human Rights in a meeting on Wednesday stressed on intensifying efforts to assist prisoners unable to pay Diyat, Arsh, and Daman, required for their release.

The matter was discussed when Federal Minister for Law and Justice and Human Rights Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar chaired the 10th meeting of the Administrative Committee for the Diyat, Arsh, and Daman Fund at the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.

The session brought together Federal Secretary for Human Rights Allah Dino Khowaja, officials from the Ministry of Interior, and representatives from the Home and Prison Departments of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. The meeting agreed on addressing the plight of prisoners unable to pay the Diyat, Arsh, and Daman payments required for their release.

Nine cases, forwarded by Provincial Sub-Committees, were reviewed and approved.

The cases involved individuals eligible under the Diyat, Arsh, and Daman Fund Rules, 2007 – including those with physical disabilities or mental health conditions, women with children, juveniles, orphans, and prisoners who have served a substantial portion of their sentences but lack the financial means to secure their freedom.

Committee members were instructed to review and finalize eligible cases, ensuring submission with legal heirship certificates and certified judgments. Detailed case analyses and complete documentation were mandated for further verification and processing.

Senator Tarar praised the committee for its dedication and called for a coordinated effort to expedite case processing. He urged stakeholders from the Home and Prison Departments, as well as the Ministry of Interior, to eliminate procedural delays and facilitate timely justice for eligible prisoners.

Mr Allah Dino emphasised the need for robust collaboration between federal and provincial authorities to protect the rights of vulnerable inmates. He assured continued support to ensure the effective use of the fund.

The officials collectively pledged to uphold justice, fairness, and human rights, reinforcing efforts to provide essential support to prisoners in need.

Published in Dawn, January 9th, 2025