In line with the vision of Chief Minister Punjab, Ms. Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the reform agenda of the Punjab Prisons Department continues to make significant progress.
As part of these reforms, the “Chief Minister Naya Aghaz Program” has been launched in collaboration with the Akhuwat Foundation. Under this initiative, deserving prisoners released from Punjab prisons will be provided Qarz-e-Hasna (interest-free loans) to help them secure dignified employment, establish small businesses, and achieve financial independence.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony was held at the Home Department, Civil Secretariat Lahore. The event was attended by Chairperson of the Chief Minister’s Task Force on Punjab Prisons and Member of the Provincial Assembly Rana Mannan Khan, Secretary Home Punjab Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi, Special Secretary Home Ms. Zainab Khan, Inspector General Prisons Punjab Mian Salik Jalal, Chairman Akhuwat Foundation Dr. Amjad Saqib, and other senior government officials.
The initiative represents a significant milestone in promoting the social rehabilitation, economic empowerment, and successful reintegration of former prisoners into society. By providing financial support and opportunities for self-employment, the program aims to reduce the likelihood of reoffending and enable former inmates to lead productive and respectable lives.