CM Maryam releases 155 prisoners after paying Rs150 million Diyat amount

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced the release of 155 prisoners through the payment of diyat amount (Blood Money) contributed by philanthropists during her visit to Kot Lakhpat jail on Sunday.

She had previously been incarcerated at the same jail with her father and former premier Nawaz Sharif, during the PTI government.

CM Maryam broke her fast with prisoners and distributed gifts to them, along with an amount of Rs15,000. Bangles were also distributed to female prisoners.

She also visited her father's cell and recalled her own time in jail when she was not allowed to meet him, despite being held in nearby cells.

“I couldn't talk with my cancer patient mother from the Adiala Jail. I used to talk with my children for 20 minutes only. I was greatly worried about my 15-year-old daughter as she also underwent a difficult time. Someone told my father in a court about the condition of my mother and despite his repeated requests, no one allowed him to talk to his wife,” she said while addressing the Kot Lakhpat prisoners. 

The head of Punjab government planted a sapling on the lawn of the jail and instructed prison authorities to plant more trees there.

She also inspected the jail kitchen and checked the quality of food prepared for the prisoners. The iftar meal was prepared for prisoners at CM Maryam's instruction.

“Even innocent people have to face punishments due to shortcomings in the justice system. We would definitely bring improvements in the jail system along with relief for the prisoners,” she stated. 

CM Maryam announced plans to introduce jail reforms.  She then inaugurated a 20-bed drug rehabilitation hospital alongside a video call facility for prisoners, making it the first jail to offer such in-house communication to inmates.