Protect prisoners from coronavirus

Social distancing is vital to curbing the spread of coronavirus. Yet many have continued to throw caution to the winds, forcing federal and provincial governments to order varying levels of restrictions on social interaction. One category of people who do not have the option to take that caution are prisoners incarcerated in overcrowded jails all across the country. Relevant authorities need to reduce prison population to contain the outbreak of Covid-19. The threat of the contagion spreading is serious under the prevailing conditions in jails and police lockups.
Chief Justice, Islamabad High Court, Athar Minallah, in an order recently gave voice to a common concern as he observed that "the prisons in Pakistan are in dire straits, and that in case any prisoner becomes infected, the situation would get out of control". It is about time ways are found for the early release on parole of low-risk prisoners whether under trial or convicted.
All detainees deserve to be protected against the deadly virus. In Punjab, the authorities claim to have initiated an awareness campaign in prisons, and also equipping them with four temperature guns, each, for checking visitors as well as jail staff. Also that special medical care centres are being set up in every jail and prisoners provided with soap and facemasks. Other provinces may be making similar claims. But there is always a big gap between such claims and reality. Laxity is not an option in view of the clear and present danger of Covid-19 contagion. It ought to be ensured that necessary protective measures are strictly implemented.