On the direction of Punjab interim Chief Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, the Prisons Department has signed an agreement with the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI), Lahore for the treatment of prisoners suffering from liver and kidney diseases, reported 24NewsHD TV channel. 

CM Naqvi chaired a special meeting in Lahore on Sunday attended by Punjab Chief Secretary, Additional Home Chief Secretary, Primary and Secondary Health Secretary, IG Prisons, Executive Director of Punjab Institute of Mental Health, Lahore and other concerned officials. 

Mr Naqvi ordered to prepare the design of a tower-shaped modern prison. New prisons will be equipped with sophisticated facilities and security equipment, he urged.

The meeting decided in principle to introduce more TEVTA courses for inmates in 10 prisons.

Moreover, on the direction of the chief minister, the duration of meeting between prisoner and his family members has been extended from 20 minutes to 35 minutes. 

The meeting also deliberated on the method to provide international call facility to international prisoners. 

On completion of degree/religious and technical education, prisoners will be given 2 to 3 months remission in their sentences, the meeting decided. 

CM Naqvi directed the authorities to make sure that prisoner could attend the funeral of his close relative. 

He also said that a proposal to set up IT centers in prisons will be studied to impart modern technological education to the inmates. No compromise will be made on the quality of food for prisoners, he said adding that jails would be provided with fine quality wool for carpet weaving. 

The meeting was told that 20,000 prisoners from Punjab jails have completed technical courses of TEVTA. 

The participants were also briefed that 6,320 prisoners are forced to stay in jails as their appeals are pending. 

The meeting decided to resort to the courts for the early hearing of appeals filed by the inmates. 

Reporter Ali Ramay