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5th December 2023: The province of Sindh has emerged as
a trailblazer in the reform of colonial-era laws governing the prison system in Pakistan. Striding ahead of its counterparts,
Sindh repealed the Prisons Act of 1984 and ushered in a new
era with the introduction of the Sindh Prisons and Corrections
Service Act and Rules 2019. The focal point of the new rules
is a marked shift towards corrections and rehabilitation within
the prison system.
Under the umbrella of these progressive reforms, the
Committee for the Welfare of Prisoners, in partnership with
Tech Valley Pakistan, has initiated a transformative project
aimed at empowering women prisoners. For the first time in
history, Google Certificates have been made available to
women incarcerated in the Women’s Prison Karachi, as well
as female prison staff.
Rather than being mere facilities of confinement, prisons are increasingly viewed as institutions with the potential to mold individuals into productive members of
society. The partnership with Tech Valley Pakistan signifies a strategic step towards equipping women prisoners with tangible skills, thereby enhancing their prospects
of employability upon release. This initiative recognizes the pivotal role skill development plays in the rehabilitation process. The Google Certificates program not only
imparts valuable skills but also represents a tangible effort to break the cycle of recidivism. By offering a pathway to meaningful employment, the initiative aspires to
transform women prisoners into contributing members of society.
The Committee for the Welfare of Prisoners, in collaboration with the Women Aid Trust, recently hosted a ceremony in the Women’s Prison Karachi to honor women
prisoners and prison staff who completed their first course under the Google Certificates program. The ceremony was attended by DIG Women’s Prison & YOIS
Sheeba Shah and Superintendent YOIS Humaira Quayoom. DIG Sheeba Shah emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts, she highlighted that true reform
within the prison system necessitates the combined commitment of various stakeholders, including governmental bodies, non-profit organizations, and the private
sector. She highlighted that this initiative, with its focus on skill development, not only empowers women prisoners but also demonstrates what can be achieved when
different entities come together for a common cause
Sindh’s proactive approach to prison reform to address the immediate concerns of the prison population and contribute significantly to the broader goal of societal
betterment serves as an example for other provinces. It is hoped that the momentum generated by these reforms will inspire a nationwide shift towards a more
rehabilitative approach within the criminal justice system. The partnership between the Committee for the Welfare of Prisoners and Tech Valley Pakistan, with its focus
on skill development, exemplifies the potential for positive transformation within the prison walls. It is a testament to the belief that even within the confines of
incarceration, individuals can be nurtured to become assets to society, offering them a chance at redemption and a more promising future.
