Jail reforms in Sindh

I detest the very concept of prison because it provokes hatred as it usurps the human freedom and confines the people within four walls day in and day out. But, we cannot ignore the fact that criminals and offenders of law must not go scot-free. They deserve punishment and should be awarded exemplary punishment to protect and ensure smooth functioning of social and cultural life of the society we live in.
But when the functionaries of the government cause political victimisation of opponents and put them behind bar it defames them before the masses.
Those involved in immoral acts and crimes certainly deserve severe punishment. But once they are punished and return from jail they become matured criminals, because no measures to reform their thinking are taken inside the jail. The respectable people avoid meeting a convict.
As a result, out of frustration he seeks shelter in the society of the convicts and criminals. The provision of award and punishments exists in Islam, which could not be denied.
Therefore, a social order based on justice and equality has to be enforced to allow peaceful uninterrupted life. Such system exists all over the world. This would also restore confidence of the people and justice would ensure security as well as dignity of human beings.
It is noted that our courts give long dates to cases. As a result the under-trial man remains in prison for more years than the period of punishment that could be awarded to him. This leads to criticism of the courts responsible for delivering justice without discrimination.
Having closely observed the prevailing conditions in jails. I have also seen that more prisoners are stuffed into the jail more than the actual available accommodations. For example where accommodations are available for eight thousand there ten thousand prisoners are dumped.
The most disgusting thing noted in jails is that narcotic addicts receive their required quota from the people who come to meet them in jails. If the addicts do not get narcotics they raise hue and cry. I have taken measures to prevent entry and sale of such poison in the jail. I have been contemplating various measures to overcome shortcomings in the jails.
Immediately after I took over charge as Home Minister, I visited all the jails in Karachi and the interior Sindh and tried to meet the convicts individually. I found most of them frustrated and disappointed with life and are in deep agony. There is a need to inspire them gradually about the value of life, which would take time.
The immediate problem for me is accommodation for the prisoners. The two under-construction jails would accommodate 250 prisoners in Naushero Feroz and Ghotki. Two new jails are being constructed at Mirpurkhas and Umerkot. They will accommodate 500 and 250 prisoners. 138 electric coolers have been purchased for them and the jail administration has been provided 18 new vehicles to transport prisoners from jail to the court and back.
Two new courts have been set up in the Karachi Central Jail for trial of prisoners inside the jail premises. A judicial complex has also been constructed and could accommodate four courts. Similarly three judicial complexes have been constructed one each in Hyderabad, Sukkur and Larkana.
I have made repeated requests to wealthy people and philanthropists for donation and funds to help provide surety money to get the release of thousands of imprisoned persons rotting in jails. Thus about twenty lakhs rupees were paid as fine for 3,247 prisoners. Similarly through the financial help of philanthropists and NGOs 15 elderly prisoners and 25 foreign women got freedom from jails and they were sent to their respective countries. I made personal efforts for surety money of the same prisoners and succeeded in getting them released.
One thousand and twenty convicts throughout various jails in Sindh were released because of the good conduct and behaviour and remission given by the President on Independence Day every year.
Health is yet another problem faced by the prisoners. Now additional beds have been provided in hospitals of Central Jails with facilities of laboratory and X-rays. With the help of NGOs ambulances have been provided in District Jail, Malir and Women Jail, Karachi. Measures have also been taken to provide teaching of the Holy Quran and religious matters, through salaried educated religious teachers.
Adult education programme "JUGNU" has been introduced in jails and 200 prisoners are benefiting. They are also given professional teaching like hair-dressing, sewing, pot making and electric work. The women prisoners are also taught sewing, candle making and makeup so that when they are released, they could earn their livelihood through honest means.
Entertainment is also provided to the prisoners for their relaxation from tense situations. They are shown films concerning Pakistan Independence Day. They are allowed indoor and outdoor games within jail premises. Steps to create positive thinking among prisoners are the responsibility of the government.
Sometimes the jail administration implicate a prisoner in more than one false case just to realise handsome bribe form him. Now the convicts get benefits of nine days relaxation announced by the President of the country on the occasion of l4th August.
The same day formalities are completed. The same way I as a Home Minister, use my power provided under the law to get relaxation and reduction in numerical days of the prisoners. I prepare summary, which is sent to the Governor and Chief Minister, Sindh, for approval and is immediately implemented on their consent. It had good impact on the prisoners who show good behaviour and conduct before the jail authorities to get the benefits.
I was sad to know when the senior officials of jail informed me that sixty percent of cases pending before the courts are weak because of lack of evidence and they cannot be convicted.
The present expenditure on prisoners is a huge burden on the national exchequer. Thus there is a need for amendments in the existing law. Presently in children's jail, the number of murderers under Section 302 is very high. It happens because of tribal feuds. After committing murders the disputing parties enter into reconciliation and instead of arresting the real murderers, innocent children are placed in police custody because they cannot be given capital punishment. Now measures are under consideration to bring effective check on the present practice.
The innocent wives of the criminals are suffering mental agony for no fault of theirs.
I have, therefore, decided to build "Milan Halls". Presently four rooms are under construction in the Central Jail, Karachi. On completion the prisoners undergoing life imprisonment, and also those undergoing five years conviction will be allowed after every six months to live with their wives in this room. This is permitted in our religion also, so that the better half could not commit sin.
An important reform has already been introduced in Karachi Jail, where retired Justice Nasir Aslam Zahid has set up a Youthful Offenders, Industrial School for Women, for legal advice, where the women get legal help free of cost. Presently 123 cases of prisoners are being heard.
This includes 48 Pakistanis, 66 foreigners and nine under-trial women prisoners. In February 2005, this legal aid office got 11 women prisoners released. 13 women prisoners were granted bail. In addition, a legal aid office has been set up with the help of D.K. Foundation for men by city lawyers' association.
The government is not only active in apprehending criminals but also bringing about mental and physical reforms in them so that they lead a respectable life in society.
I am deeply indebted to all the officials and jawans of law-enforcing agencies, namely Rangers, Police and others for their devotion, sincerity and hard work, and success achieved in arresting dacoits, narcotic peddlers and agents of under-world, during the last one year.
(The writer is Home Minister of Sindh.)