PM Shehbaz emphasises public interest as sole purpose of suo motu

PM urges teaching of skills and granting of bail for eligible prisoners

LAHORE (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday emphasised that the only purpose of suo motu is the public interest, and according to the constitution and law, there cannot be any other reason for it.

Visiting the Central Jail, he expressed concern over the poor hygiene conditions in the toilets and urged the jail administration and the government to take responsibility for cleaning and preventing the spread of diseases. He also instructed better management of jails.

Furthermore, he suggested that a separate hospital be established for the treatment of prisoners in Punjab's jails. This pilot project, if successful, will be extended throughout the country. The Prime Minister also expressed disappointment that the machines for the basic treatment of prisoners were not being utilized and stated that he had discussed these issues with the IG prison administration.

He stressed the need to teach prisoners different skills during detention and to grant bail to those prisoners who are eligible. He also urged the judicial officers to visit the prisons and find ways to help prisoners become active citizens of society upon release.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that suo motu should only serve the public interest and that the courts and the government have a responsibility to ensure that prisoners' rights are protected and they are reintegrated into society.