ISLAMABAD, March 8: A number of recommendations made by the Pakistan Law Commission (PLC) on Jail Reforms 1997 are yet to be implemented, however amendments to relevant laws have been made to stop the use of fetters in prisons, the National Assembly was told here on Monday.

In a written reply to a question of Riaz Fatiana, the NA was told that amendment to the prison laws had been made to repeal the punishment of whipping for jail offences in compliance with the abolition of punishment of whipping act 1996.

In addition to this, prisoners have also been given the right to appeal to inspector general prison against major penalty to check the abuse of discretionary powers of the superintendent. Besides, arrangements have been made for the accommodation, food and education of children accompanying convict women. However, there are number of amendments which still need to be implemented like the system of granting remission on account of acquiring education and higher qualifications, arrangements for the construction of separate prisons for women convicts and juveniles, and proper education and training to women prisoners and juvenile offenders.

The House was told that the upgradation of Pakistani jails under the guidelines of United Nations was being carried out. Overcrowding in jails is the main cause of all ills. Prison departments of all the provinces have already started expansion/extension in jails to meet with congestion and to enhance the facilities for prisoners.

The provisions which are yet to be implemented for want of funds or amendments in the relevant laws, include construction of prisons in outskirts, improving conditions of police/judicial lockups by equipping these with facilities like fans, benches and toilets.

The facilities of outdoor games like football, basketball, and indoor games have not been provided, while the provision of keeping prisoners in a death cell as per capacity is yet to be adhered to.

Similarly, the recommendation of reviving sick industries in jails and encouraging private sector for establishing industrial units in prisons are also yet to be implemented.

The recommendation of PLC had also called for strengthening the system of jail inspection so that the judges of high courts and subordinate courts could pay regular visits and give on-spot instructions regarding cases of under-trial prisoners.

Similarly, proper facilities should be provided to facilitate prisoners in meeting their relatives/friends. Prisoners with good conduct should also be released on short parole to meet their families and help them in tasks like cultivation and harvesting of crops, the recommendations said.