KARACHI, Jan 24: Adviser to Sindh chief minister on home affairs, Aftab Ahmed Shaikh, said on Friday that he would shortly convene a meeting to discuss the formation of citizens' committees on jails throughout the province.

Opening a human rights sensitization training, organized by the Lawyers for Human Rights and Legal-Aid at a local hotel, he said pathetic conditions prevailed in the over-crowded prisons where scores of undertrial male and female prisoners had been languishing for years.

"After taking over as adviser on home affairs, I called for reports in this respect and was surprised to know that the UTPs were confined to jails for over five to seven years in even minor cases and were not produced in courts for one or the other reason," Aftab Shaikh said.

The government launched certain projects, including construction of judicial complexes at Hyderabad and other regions of Sindh under access to justice programme but unfortunately jails reforms have not been included in it, he said.

Aftab Shaikh said he favours release on probation and parole of those offenders who have been convicted in cases of minor nature or who are about to complete their sentences.

The government has constructed three new jails at Shikarpur, Badin and Dadu, the adviser said and added that the prisoners from over-crowded jails would be shifted there to ease the situation.

"The home department has moved a summery to the chief minister for appointment of staff at the new jails so that they can be made functional," he said.

Besides, two new jails are being constructed at Naushehro Feroz and Ghotki, he said.

He further said that the Sindh governor has constituted a committee, headed by Justice Nasir Aslam Zahid, to examine the conditions of jails and submit recommendations for bringing improvements.

He called upon the philanthropists to come forward and help government in providing basic facilities to the prisoners, like provision of potable water, washrooms, reading rooms, healthcare etc.

Earlier, Zia Ahmed Awan, LHRLA president, gave several suggestions for improving conditions at the jails. He stressed on re-opening training institute for jail staff at Nara jail Hyderabad, appointment of Probation and parole officers to facilitate the release of convicts, launching of revenue generating activities in the jails, etc.

The human rights workers, representing different NGOs from Karachi and Hyderabad, officials of social welfare department, prisons and advocates are attending the two-day training programme.-PPI