As many as 309 under-trial women prisoners confined in nine different jails of the province have so far been released in compliance with the presidential Law Reform Ordinance. Sources in the Punjab Prisons Department told Business Recorder here on Thursday that about 555 women prisoners from a total of 710 had moved applications for bail to the competent courts, of whom 309 have so far been released.
"In the light of the Law Reform Ordinance, all DIGs of prisons, superintendents central and district jails across the province were directed to contact district and sessions judges and district co-ordination officers of their areas, to arrange visits of judicial officers to local jails for granting bail to eligible female prisoners," the sources said.
It may be mentioned that President General Pervez Musharraf on July 7 promulgated the Law Reform Ordinance to protect women's rights and facilitate release of hundreds of women languishing in jails across the country. The law provides for releasing those who are not involved in heinous crimes including murder, terrorism and robbery. Under the amended laws women offenders will be freed on bail instead of keeping them into jails.
Renowned lawyer Chaudhry Hafeez ur Rehman praised President General Pervez Musharraf regarding release of women prisoners. He said that no government in the past took such bold step for the betterment and welfare of women. He said that release of women prisoners would not only help solve their problems but also lessen the burden on prisons. He congratulated the President and his team on this historic decision and expressed the hope that as a result of this decision, thousands of families will be able to lead a normal life.
Comments
Comments are closed.