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LAHORE, Mar 27 (APP):Home Secretary Punjab Noorul Amin Mengal on Thursday visited the Central Jail Lahore and assessed the exhibition of products made by inmates in jails across Punjab.
The products on display were part of the jail industry, which includes a variety of goods produced by the prisoners.
During the visit, the secretary was accompanied by IG Prison Mian Farooq Nazir, Additional Secretary Prison Asim Raza, DIG Lahore Region Naveed Rauf and Jail Superintendent Ijaz Asghar.
They reviewed a wide range of products, including carpets, tiles, furniture, soap, phenyl, LED bulbs, shoes, gloves, footballs, clothes, and trunks—all made by prisoners.
In a statement, Secretary Mengal highlighted the efforts being made by the Punjab Home Department to enhance the social and economic development of prisoners. “We are focusing on providing prisoners with skills that will enable them to secure dignified employment once they are released,” he stated. He further added, “Inmates involved in the jail industry are not only learning skills but are also becoming economically independent post-release.”Secretary Mengal emphasized that these efforts are helping inmates avoid returning to a life of crime by providing them with constructive skills and the opportunity to become contributing members of society. He also revealed that the products made by the prisoners are being marketed and sold, with citizens able to view and purchase these items through the official website www.prisonstore.com.pk and the mobile app “Prison Store.”
In addition, display centres have been established outside all jails to showcase and sell the products. The government has also opened up investment opportunities for the private sector within the jail industry.
The revenue generated from the sale of these products is directly credited to the prisoners’ jail bank accounts as compensation, ensuring they are financially supported during their time in prison. Secretary Mengal praised the initiative as a significant step toward the rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners into society.