Punjab Prisons is a progressive department which aims at ensuring the return of the offender to the society as a useful citizen. The gradual transformation of Prisons’ administration, in line with the correctional philosophy and rehabilitative approach towards the jail inmates, has resulted in a wholesome and healthy environment in jails. Today, the Department not only lays a great emphasis on the moral education of the inmates but also carries a holistic approach with a view to facilitating the post-release reintegration of the prisoners with the mainstream society.
This Department firmly believes in "hate for crime but not for criminal". It also recognizes the fact that the notion of a safe society cannot be realised merely by detention unless the offender is corrected and reformed while being in prison. Towards this objective, the Department has undertaken a number of measures.
The Department is functioning under the administrative control of the Home Department. The Inspector General of Prisons (BS-21) is Head of the Department at Provincial level, assisted by Ten(10) Deputy Inspectors General of Prisons (BS-20). Punjab Prisons comprises Eight (8) regions namely Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Multan, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur and DG.Khan Region. A Deputy Inspector General of Prisons (BS-20) oversees each region.
Objectives of the Prisons
a. Custody Keeping inmates in safe place of confinement to satisfaction of the court.
b. Control Maintaining discipline within the prison premises.
c. Care Meeting basic needs of the inmates.
d. Correction Providing treatment (physical, mental and psychological counseling) to reform and rehabilitate the convicted
inmates.
e. Cure Provision of facilities that are needed for a normal person to become productive member of the society.
Functions of the Prison
- Execute the sentence awarded by the Court.
- Maintenance, Care, Custody and transfer of prisoners.
- Maintenance of orders and discipline amongst the prisoners.
- Control of expenditure relating to prison management.
- Enforcement of Prison Act, all Laws, Rules/Regulations and orders pertaining to the protection and maintenance of prison/prisoners.
- Imparting useful education / training to the prisoners in various trades/skills and other vocational disciplines for their rehabilitation.
- Organizing of recreational programs, welfare measures and psychological counseling of inmates for their correction and rehabilitation.