Punjab suspends jail Deputy Superintendent over prisoner’s death

Punjab suspends jail Deputy Superintendent over prisoner’s death

LAHORE:  The Punjab Home Department has suspended Deputy Superintendent Executive Kamran Maqbool over the death of a prisoner at Kot Lakhpat Jail, citing alleged negligence, incompetence and conduct contrary to departmental rules.

According to a spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department, the official, who served as Deputy Superintendent Executive at Central Jail Lahore, faced suspension following the development. The department had already suspended six other prison officials, including an assistant superintendent, based on an initial investigation report into the incident.

The department has also issued several transfer and posting orders as part of administrative changes within the provincial prison system.

Under the latest orders, Fazal Elahi has been appointed Deputy Superintendent Executive at Central Jail Lahore, while Hafiz Muhammad Rizwan will take charge as Deputy Superintendent Executive at District Jail Jhang. Asif Murtaza has been posted as Deputy Superintendent Executive at Central Jail Faisalabad.

Meanwhile, Shahzad Ahmed, who was serving as Deputy Superintendent Executive at Central Jail Dera Ghazi Khan, has been directed to report to the Inspectorate of Prisons Punjab.

The Punjab Home Department said it had issued rules and regulations to improve administration and ensure proper management across all prisons in the province. The measures aim to strengthen institutional discipline, improve oversight and ensure that prison officials perform their duties in accordance with established procedures.

The department reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards negligence, mismanagement and violations of rules, adding that accountability would remain a priority in maintaining discipline and administrative standards across Punjab’s prisons.

The latest action follows the initial inquiry into the Kot Lakhpat Jail incident, with further administrative measures being taken in the wake of the investigation, according to the department’s spokesperson.