HARIPUR: In a major push toward institutional reform and justice accessibility, Inspector General of Prisons Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Rehan Gul Khattak, conducted an official visit to Central Jail Haripur alongside Director General Prosecution KP, Muhammad Rafiq Khan Mehmood, Senior Civil Judge Haripur, and Director Legal Aid Zafar Ali. The high-level delegation gathered to assess prisoner welfare, evaluate ongoing rehabilitation programs, and reinforce the protection of fundamental legal rights for detainees.
Direct Judicial Engagement and Free Legal Assistance
During the visit, IG Prisons Rehan Gul Khattak met with detainees at the jail’s court area (klia), directly hearing their grievances and reviewing administrative matters to streamline resolutions.
Concurrently, DG Prosecution Muhammad Rafiq Khan Mehmood and Director Legal Aid Zafar Ali briefed detainees on their constitutional rights, ongoing judicial proceedings, and the availability of free state legal aid for deserving prisoners. To ensure systematic redressal:
- Detainees were instructed on submitting formal written applications for prompt grievance resolution.
- Guidance protocols were established to help navigate legal proceedings and access public defense representation.
Review of Industrial Craftsmanship and Technical Rehabilitation
The delegation also inspected the Central Jail Haripur factory, observing the production of various crafted items made by inmates. IG Khattak engaged directly with working prisoners, praising the technical quality of their craftsmanship and discussing their operational needs.
Such industrial programs form a cornerstone of KP’s correctional philosophy, aimed at providing vocational training, constructive engagement, and productive skill development for successful reintegration into society.
Commemorative Presentation
To conclude the visit:
- IG Prisons Rehan Gul Khattak presented commemorative shields—crafted entirely by inmates at the jail factory—to the visiting judicial and prosecution dignitaries.
- Superintendent Central Jail Haripur, Mr. Najam Abbasi, presented an honorary shield to IG Prisons Rehan Gul Khattak in recognition of his leadership in prison reform.
This comprehensive visit marks a key landmark in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s strategy to strengthen the prison system, uphold human rights, and transform penal institutions into centers of rehabilitation and vocational training.
