Illiterate convicted prisoners: Punjab approves 30-day sentence remission

LAHORE: A landmark step has been taken towards the education and reformation of illiterate prisoners under the Chief Minister Punjab’s prison reforms agenda. The Government of Punjab has approved a 30-day special sentence remission for illiterate convicted prisoners who complete the approved literacy programme.

The Punjab Home Department has issued a notification amending the Pakistan Prisons Rules, 1978, in this regard. According to a notification of the Punjab Home Department, under the amended rules, illiterate convicted prisoners will be eligible for 30 days of special sentence remission upon completing the approved literacy programme and obtaining a certificate of proficiency in basic reading, writing and numeracy skills. The certificate will be issued under the approved programme of the Literacy and Non-Formal Basic Education Department. Upon the prisoner’s acquisition of the certificate, the concerned Superintendent of Jail will grant the 30-day special sentence remission. The Chief Minister Punjab Prisoners Literacy Programme has been underway in prisons across Punjab since May 2026. So far, 19,578 prisoners have received education under the programme, of whom 4,088 have been released, while 11,317 have passed the literacy examination.

It is stated that 4,173 prisoners are currently enrolled at 182 literacy centres established in 43 prisons across Punjab. These include 3,986 male prisoners, 187 female prisoners and 105 juveniles. Secretary Home Punjab Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi said that basic education was being provided to illiterate prisoners under the Chief Minister Punjab’s Prisoners Literacy Programme. He said the Punjab Home Department was pursuing its mission of educating, reforming and rehabilitating prisoners and facilitating their reintegration into society. He added that promoting education, self-confidence, discipline and positive thinking among prisoners was among the key objectives of the literacy programme. The Secretary Home said that the Prisoners Literacy Programme was transforming prisons into centres of rehabilitation. He added that education and training would help prisoners become positive and productive members of society after their release and assist them in staying away from re-offending.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026