KP CM Sohail Afridi calls for Adiala jail reforms

Sohail Afridi has called for major improvements in prison facilities and inmate welfare, with particular focus on conditions at Adiala Jail.

Sohail Afridi has called for major improvements in prison facilities and inmate welfare, with particular focus on conditions at Adiala Jail.

Speaking at a jail reforms conference, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister said that facilities for visitors and family members of prisoners should be improved.

He proposed the construction of a proper waiting area outside Adiala Jail to provide comfort and shelter to relatives and visitors who often spend long hours outside the prison premises.

Sohail Afridi also expressed concern over the health condition of the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, stating that his health had deteriorated during his imprisonment.

He said that every prisoner, regardless of political affiliation or status, is entitled to legal and constitutional rights.

The chief minister stressed that the PTI founder should be allowed to receive treatment from his personal doctors and medical specialists if required.

According to Afridi, access to proper healthcare is a basic right of every inmate and should be ensured without discrimination.

He further stated that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government was implementing prison reforms and improving facilities for inmates in line with the vision of the PTI founder.

He said prisoners in the province were being provided with better living conditions, healthcare services and welfare facilities.

Speaking about the political environment in the country, Afridi said that public gatherings and political rallies are an important part of democratic systems around the world.

He criticised the registration of criminal cases following political meetings and demonstrations, arguing that political activities should be allowed within the framework of the law and the Constitution.

The chief minister also said that prison reforms in Pakistan should begin with Adiala Jail, which houses several high-profile prisoners and remains one of the country’s most prominent correctional facilities.

He urged authorities to facilitate communication between the PTI founder and his sons through video link if physical meetings were not possible.

Afridi said modern communication facilities could help maintain family connections while ensuring compliance with prison regulations and security requirements.

He also referred to the issue of meetings between the PTI founder and his sisters.

The chief minister said that if prison authorities were unable to arrange family visits, force should not be used against relatives seeking meetings with imprisoned family members.

His remarks came during discussions on prison reforms, inmates’ rights and the need to modernise correctional institutions across the country.

The conference focused on improving prison administration, strengthening rehabilitation programmes and ensuring that prisoners are treated in accordance with national laws and international standards relating to human rights and inmate welfare.