ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said prison reforms are a key step toward building a safer and more progressive society, emphasizing that protecting prisoners' fundamental rights and rehabilitating them are among the government's top priorities.
Addressing the National Conference on Prison Reforms at the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Maryam Nawaz said it was an honor to participate in the event. She reiterated her commitment to the rule of law, stating that no individual is above the law.
She said every citizen has the fundamental right to transparent and effective justice, adding that concrete measures are necessary to safeguard the basic human rights of prisoners.
The Punjab chief minister said her government has undertaken several initiatives to improve prison conditions, adding that she did not wish to engage in political discussions at the forum.
Maryam Nawaz said the reform agenda focuses on prisoners' mental health, counseling and rehabilitation programs to help them reintegrate into society as productive citizens.
She also announced that audio and video calling facilities have been introduced for inmates in various prisons across Punjab, adding that the broader objective of the reforms is to modernize the correctional system and strengthen the country's justice framework.