Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) is the only public sector university that has been offering free education to prisoners since the 1990s.
Due to the stigma of having been in prison, prisoners often face a difficult time integrating back into society. With little to no education, prisoners rarely land respectful jobs on release.
In 2016, AIOU decided to renew existing educational programs and facilities for prisoners all over Pakistan. After 2016, AIOU has been offering education to prisoners from Matric upto Bachelors levels.
AIOU upgraded its facilities with help from Wafaqi Mohtasab, Higher Education Commission, and prison departments of all provinces.
The prisoners’ education program aims to extend the education net to prisoners, according to an official of AIOU.
Prisoners who had received education during jail time became responsible citizens of Pakistan, said the official.
Vice-Chancellor of AIOU remains in contact with Inspector General Prisons of all four provinces to ensure prison authorities frequently cooperate with the teachers.
Moreover, Vice-Chancellor of AIOU regularly visits prisons at Quetta, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. During the visits, the Vice-Chancellor meets and distributes books among the prisoners.
AIOU provides free admission forms to the prisoners who want to enroll in the program.
During their jail time, prisoners are excused from registration, admission, tuition, examination, and degree fee. Besides, AIOU will also set up classrooms for children who live with their jailed mothers at central jail, Quetta.
The final version of the feasibility report of the project was sent to the authorities. AIOU officials say they are only waiting for the authorities to give them the approval to implement the project.
Apart from educating prisoners, AIOU provides free education to visually impaired persons, girls who have dropped out as well as the transgender community.
