Inmates in Punjab prisons allowed to stay with families in designated rooms

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved a progressive reform allowing inmates to temporarily live with their spouses and young children in specially designated family rooms within provincial prisons.

According to the Punjab Home Department, the initiative will enable prisoners serving sentences longer than five years to spend time with their wives and children under the age of six.

Eligible inmates will be allowed to reunite with their families three times a year, with each visit lasting up to three consecutive days.

The reform also includes the provision of free meals during the family stay.

Read more: SC acquits two life-term prisoners after 17 years due to lack of evidence

To benefit from the new facility, either the prisoner or their spouse must submit a formal request to the prison superintendent.

Upon receiving the application, the superintendent will seek written approval from the respective Deputy Commissioner.

Once authorization is granted, the family visit will be scheduled accordingly.

This initiative is part of broader reforms aimed at supporting the emotional and psychological well-being of prisoners and their families, while also promoting rehabilitation and reintegration into society.