Maryam Nawaz vows human-centred prison reforms

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has said that her government's prison reform agenda is deeply influenced by

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has said that her government’s prison reform agenda is deeply influenced by her personal experiences and reflects a commitment to creating a more humane and modern correctional system.

Addressing a gathering, the chief minister said the judiciary remains an essential partner in strengthening justice and protecting the constitutional rights of citizens. She described the superior judiciary as a source of guidance and inspiration for public institutions and praised its role in safeguarding human dignity and the rule of law.

Maryam Nawaz stated that the principles of justice, compassion and respect for human rights should guide every aspect of governance, particularly in institutions responsible for the care and rehabilitation of inmates.

Speaking about prison reforms, she said her perspective was shaped not only by her responsibilities as the chief executive of Punjab but also by personal experiences that gave her a deeper understanding of the realities faced by people in custody.

The chief minister said those experiences transformed her views on justice and reinforced her belief that the state carries a responsibility not only to ensure security but also to protect the dignity and rights of every individual under its care.

She stressed that prisons should serve as centres of rehabilitation and reform rather than merely places of punishment, adding that correctional facilities must provide opportunities for education, skill development and social reintegration.

Maryam Nawaz called for closer cooperation between the government, judiciary and other state institutions to modernise the prison system and introduce reforms aimed at improving living conditions and rehabilitation services for inmates.

She said the government’s objective is to build a correctional system that safeguards society while ensuring that prisoners are treated with dignity and humanity in accordance with constitutional principles and international standards.

The chief minister reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to institutional reforms and expressed confidence that collective efforts would help establish a more effective, transparent and compassionate justice system in Punjab.