Rs5bn project to modernise Punjab jails

Punjab is moving towards a technology-driven prison security system, with Chinese experts proposing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and smart communication facilities under the provincial government’s Safe Jail Project.

The proposals were discussed during a meeting at the Punjab Home Department, where a delegation of Chinese experts presented plans for a Central Command and Control Centre.

The meeting was chaired by Additional Secretary Prisons Roman Borana and attended by senior prison officials, project authorities and representatives involved in the implementation of the security programme.

Among the proposed technologies is an AI-based content management system designed to strengthen monitoring and help authorities identify unusual or prohibited activity inside prisons.

Smart video-conferencing facilities are also being considered for the central command centre. Officials discussed the use of technology to improve communication between prisons and senior authorities and enable more effective supervision.

The installation of panic buttons and public address systems was also discussed. These facilities are planned for prisoners’ cells, barracks and other sensitive areas to allow security staff to respond quickly in emergencies.

The Safe Jail Project includes the installation of more than 12,000 modern surveillance cameras and other security equipment across prisons in Punjab.

The first phase focuses on upgrading security infrastructure at all 10 central prisons, District Jail Lahore and 10 command and control centres.

The planned surveillance network will cover key areas of prisons, including entry and exit points, administrative offices, barracks, boundary walls, jammer zones, kitchens, hospitals and libraries.

Officials said the system would use automated monitoring to detect suspicious, prohibited or irregular activities and generate alerts for the relevant authorities. This is expected to allow security personnel to take action more quickly when potential threats are identified.

Under the project, dedicated control rooms are also being established at prisons, the offices of regional DIGs of Prisons, the Inspector General of Prisons and the Punjab Home Department.

The network is intended to provide centralised monitoring of prison security and give senior officials greater oversight of operations across the province.

The Punjab government has allocated Rs5 billion for the Safe Jail Project. The entire programme is scheduled to be completed by March 2027.

Officials described the project as an important step towards modernising prison security and introducing advanced surveillance technology into the province’s correctional facilities.

Borana said prison reforms were among the provincial government’s key priorities. He added that, on the instructions of Home Secretary Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi, progress on the Safe Jail Project was being monitored on a daily basis.