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The Punjab interior ministry has implemented changes to prison regulations, allowing inmates to serve sentences in their local areas, sparking discussions on whether this will affect the imprisonment location of Imran Khan.
The ministry has recently approved significant changes to prison regulations, marking a key shift in the management of incarcerated individuals in the province.
A meeting on Monday reviewed reports on the implementation of these reforms, which include provisions aimed at improving the living conditions and rehabilitation of prisoners.
One of the most notable changes is the new rule allowing convicted prisoners to serve their sentences in jails located in their native regions. Previously, according to the jail rules, criminals had to serve their sentences in the jail located in the area where the crime was committed.
However, the revised regulations now permit criminals to be transferred to jails in their own districts, provided they are convicted within Punjab.
One officer explained, “Although the rules are in place, the situation for high-profile cases like Imran Khan’s remains distinct. He had previously approached the court regarding this issue, but due to security concerns, he was not granted a transfer. Even after the rules change, if his permanent residence is still in Lahore, it is likely that his security needs will be prioritized.”
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Punjab Interior Ministry stated that the new rules have been largely implemented, though each case involving prisoner transfers will be assessed individually.
“The department has received some requests from criminals who wish to remain in their current jails, and these requests are being considered on a case-by-case basis, with input from security agencies taken into account,” they added.
In addition to these changes, the ministry has also introduced a significant shift in how prison labour is compensated. Under the new regulations, prisoners will no longer work for free.
Instead, prisons will now operate in-house factories through public-private partnerships, producing various goods. The products created will be sold in the market, and the earnings will be used to compensate the prisoners.
This marks the first time in the province that prisoners are being paid for labour as part of their sentence, a significant step toward improving their welfare and rehabilitation prospects while serving their time.
