PESHAWAR, Sept 25: About 25 woman prisoners have been released so far from the Peshawar central prison on bail under the presidential ordinance issued two months ago.

The acting NWFP governor, Justice Tariq Pervez Khan, paid a surprise visit to the central prison on Monday.

He was informed that 25 woman prisoners have been released and 176 cases had been decided by three camp courts held in the prison during the current month.

Justice Khan also paid similar visits to the Nowshera judicial lock-up and Pabbi police station.

The acting governor noted with concern that a majority of prisoners and accused people had been jailed on charges of their involvement in drug trafficking and paddling.

In response to an over whelming request from a number of prisoners, he said, lists of prisoners as well as accused people held under the FCR, were also in the preparation process and their cases would be given sympathetic consideration.

The chief justice noted with regret that a large number of inmates, despite having completed the prison term had been behind languishing in jails owing to their inability to pay off the fine. In this connection, he said, in certain cases philanthropists paid their fines and get the respective persons released on humanitarian grounds.

Therefore, he added, there was a dire need that the well-to-do people should also be approached and their help should be sought.

During the visit to Pabbi police station, Justice Khan checked the record and listened to the grievances of the complainants present on the occasion. He directed the officials concerned to ensure presence of mobile units, especially in markets during rush hours.