PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mohammad Sohail Afridi on Tuesday announced special remission of two months in the sentences of inmates in prisons across the province during his visit to Peshawar Central Jail.

During the visit he also inaugurated a modern security system, which has been completed at a cost of Rs440 million. Mr Afridi also inaugurated a rehabilitation centre for drug addicts and a model interview room, according to a statement issued here. He announced provision of Rs20 million for the improvement of inmates’ facilities and the solarisation of jails across the province.

During the visit, the chief minister carried out a detailed inspection of the medical ward and the e-visit system, met inmates, listened to their issues, and issued on-the-spot directives for the immediate resolution of various matters.

On the occasion, the chief minister announced a special remission of two months in the sentences of inmates in provincial jails and stated that the provincial government would pay the fines of inmates who remain imprisoned due to non-payment of the same.

He also directed the establishment of a digital complaint cell for the prompt redressal of inmates’ grievances.

Furthermore, Mr Afridi sought proposals from the relevant authorities for the establishment of a hospital within the Peshawar jail and directed the creation of separate special cells for juvenile and women inmates. He also instructed that further improvements be made in the family quarters for inmates in jails across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He also directed that letters be sent to the relevant provinces for the transfer of inmates belonging to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He also directed the holding of a Darbar/Khuli Kutchery next week to hear inmates’ issues and emphasised strict and effective implementation of the Parole and Probation Act, 2022.

The chief minister said he would revisit the central jail in January, and by then, all legitimate demands must be addressed, with visible progress on the directives already issued. He said the purpose of imprisonment is not merely punishment but to reform so that inmates emerged as better and productive citizens.

He stated that the provincial government was investing in people and aligning institutions with modern requirements to ensure the best possible delivery of public services and facilities.

Referring to the Army Public School tragedy, the chief minister said that whenever December 16 arrived, the painful memories of the tragic incident were revived across the nation. He added the APS tragedy was a heart-wrenching chapter in the country’s history that can never be forgotten.

Published in Dawn, December 17th, 2025