The Punjab government has formally approved a 30-day special Punjab prisoner remission for illiterate convicted inmates who successfully complete a basic literacy course. The concession applies to individuals serving sentences who learn foundational reading, writing, and basic arithmetic skills while behind bars.
According to an official notification from the Punjab Home Department, the amendment has been made to the Pakistan Prisons Rules 1978. Under the revised framework, eligible prisoners who complete the designated syllabus will receive an official certificate from the Literacy and Non-Formal Basic Education Department. Following this certification, the superintendent of the relevant jail will formally award the 30-day jail sentence reduction in Punjab.
Education and Rehabilitation in Provincial Jails
The policy forms part of an overarching prison reform plan directed by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. An adult education drive launched across provincial correctional facilities has aimed to convert conventional detention centres into places of correction and rehabilitation.
The Punjab Home Secretary noted that the initiative seeks to promote learning, self-discipline, and constructive habits among inmates, helping prepare them for social reintegration once their terms end. Providing basic literacy is seen as a key step toward reducing post-release hardship and curbing repeat offences.
Enrolment Figures Across Punjab Prisons
Official data shows that 19,578 prisoners have participated in the literacy initiative. Among them, 11,317 have passed the final literacy examination, and 4,088 participants have since finished their sentences and been released.
At present, 4,173 prisoners are receiving basic education across 182 literacy centres functioning within 43 jails in Punjab. The current cohort includes 3,986 men, 187 women, and 105 juvenile inmates.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Punjab hukumat ne parhna likhna seekhne wale ghair taleem-yafta qaidi qaidiyon ki saza me kami ka ailan kiya hai. Aise qaidiyon ko bunyadi hisab, parhai aur likhai mukammal karne par 30 din ki chhoot milegi. Is iqdaam ka maqsad qaidiyon ko muashray ka behtar shehri banana aur jailon ko islaah ke marakiz mein tabdeel karna hai.
