Punjab launches ‘Naya Aaghaz’ programme for prisoner rehabilitation 

The programme, introduced under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s prison reform agenda, is being implemented through a partnership between the Punjab Home

LAHORE: In a major step towards prison reform and prisoner rehabilitation, the Punjab government has launched the “Naya Aaghaz” (New Beginning) Programme, an initiative designed to provide interest-free loans to eligible inmates after their release, enabling them to start small businesses and successfully reintegrate into society.

The programme, introduced under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s prison reform agenda, is being implemented through a partnership between the Punjab Home Department and Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance. The agreement aims to support former prisoners by helping them achieve financial independence using vocational skills acquired during their imprisonment.

Under the initiative, eligible released prisoners will be able to obtain interest-free loans of up to Rs200,000 to either establish a new business or expand an existing one. The loans will be repaid in equal monthly instalments over 36 months, while recovered funds will be recycled to support future beneficiaries.

An initial revolving fund of Rs5 million has been allocated by Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance to launch the programme. All administrative and operational costs will be borne by Akhuwat, ensuring that neither the Punjab Home Department nor the Punjab Prisons Department faces any financial burden.

The Punjab Prisons Department will identify inmates expected to be released within the next three months and assess their eligibility based on their conduct in prison and the vocational training they have successfully completed. Final verification of loan applications will be carried out independently by Akhuwat in accordance with its lending policies.

Officials said Punjab’s prisons currently offer certified vocational training programmes across all correctional facilities, with inmates receiving technical education in 23 different trades. More than 28,000 prisoners have already earned vocational certificates through TEVTA and PVTC training centres, while approximately 6,500 inmates are presently undergoing skills training. Additionally, 74 psychologists are working in Punjab prisons to encourage rehabilitation through counselling and positive engagement.

The agreement was signed by DIG Prisons Ahmed Naveed Gondal and Akhuwat CEO Dr Kamran Shams in the presence of Chairman of the Chief Minister’s Task Force on Prisons Rana Manan Khan, Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi, Akhuwat Foundation Chairman Dr Amjad Saqib, Inspector General Prisons Mian Salik Jalal, senior Home Department officials and other representatives.

Speaking at the ceremony, Rana Manan Khan said the programme would enable released prisoners to become financially self-reliant and lead respectable lives after completing their sentences. He described prison reforms as one of the Punjab government’s highest priorities and said the administration was committed to transforming prisons into genuine rehabilitation centres.

Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to reducing poverty, promoting social reintegration and ensuring that former prisoners return to society as productive and self-sufficient citizens. He added that education, vocational training and discipline were central to the government’s vision of modern prison reforms.

Akhuwat Foundation Chairman Dr Amjad Saqib said the programme is entirely based on the principle of Qarz-e-Hasna (benevolent, interest-free loans) and will provide released inmates with a dignified opportunity to rebuild their lives. He noted that Akhuwat has so far disbursed over Rs500 billion in interest-free loans to around 4.5 million families across Pakistan.

Officials also clarified that individuals listed under the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) or designated under United Nations Security Council sanctions will not qualify for the scheme. They further stated that the Punjab government and the Prisons Department will not be responsible for loan defaults, business losses or repayment issues, as all lending decisions and monitoring will remain the responsibility of Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance.