In a landmark initiative, Punjab has begun offering free legal aid to indigent prisoners across the province. The Punjab Interior Department announced that no prisoner in need will be deprived of legal representation. Free Legal Aid Committees have been established in all 43 jails of Punjab, a collaborative effort with the Punjab Bar Council and District Bar Associations. These committees will ensure that prisoners who cannot afford legal services are provided with free representation. A total of 447 lawyers have been enlisted across the province to assist in this initiative, with distribution as follows: 45 in Lahore Division, 90 in Gujranwala, 70 in Rawalpindi, 47 in Faisalabad, 45 in Multan, 24 in Sargodha, 55 in Bahawalpur, 55 in Sahiwal, and 16 in DG Khan. Prisoners in need of legal aid can apply through their jail's Superintendent, who will facilitate their referral to the appointed lawyers. This new measure marks a significant step towards ensuring justice and legal access for all prisoners in Punjab.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan