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Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi chaired a high-level meeting on Thursday to evaluate the progress of key development projects within the provincial prison system.

A spokesperson reported that 38 development schemes are currently underway across Punjab’s jails—34 ongoing and 4 newly initiated—with a total allocation of Rs28 billion. Of this, Rs9 billion has already been utilized.

The projects include the construction of new jails, upgraded inmate barracks, medical facilities, improved kitchens, and visitor areas. A major initiative is the Lahore Prison Complex, being built at an estimated cost of Rs6 billion with a capacity for 10,000 inmates. Additionally, a new district jail in Sialkot, costing Rs4.8 billion, is designed to house 2,000 prisoners.

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Dr. Qazi stressed the importance of transparency and high construction standards in all initiatives. He noted that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is actively overseeing the implementation of the broader prison reform agenda.

Adopting a rehabilitation-focused approach, Dr. Qazi reiterated the philosophy of “hate the crime, not the criminal.” He instructed jail officials to take preventive measures for dengue and prepare for challenges during the monsoon season. The Home Secretary reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption and urged strict compliance with the Home Department’s reform guidelines.

The meeting was attended by Inspector General of Prisons Mian Farooq Nazir, Additional Secretary Prisons Asim Raza, and other senior officials. Regional DIGs and jail superintendents participated via video link.