Abdul Ghani

Around 1,900 prisoners have been enrolled in literacy programmes across 48 prisons in Pakistan during 2023–25, the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights was informed.

According to official details shared with the committee, a copy of which is available with Wealth Pakistan, the literacy initiative forms part of broader prison reforms aimed at rehabilitation and social reintegration of inmates.

The committee, chaired by Samina Mumtaz Zehri, was told that the programme focuses on providing basic education to illiterate prisoners, enabling them to acquire reading and writing skills necessary for productive engagement after their release.

Officials briefing the committee said that the next phase of the literacy programme will be launched in all prisons in 2026, expanding its coverage nationwide and making education a regular component of prison management.

In addition to literacy initiatives, the committee was informed that drug rehabilitation centres have been established in prisons to support inmates suffering from substance abuse. These centres aim to facilitate treatment, counselling and the eventual reintegration of drug-addicted prisoners into society.

Chairperson Samina Zehri underscored the importance of linking prison reforms with human rights and rehabilitation, noting that education and health-focused interventions play a crucial role in reducing repeat offences and improving inmates’ chances of successful reintegration.

Credit: INP-WealthPk