LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to introduce an advance booking system to make the process of meetings between prisoners and their families in jails simpler and more organized.
Under this new system, people who want to visit can book a time online in advance. This will reduce crowding in jail waiting areas and make the meeting process smoother.
According to Punjab Inspector General of Prisons Mian Farooq Nazir, visitors can submit their details through a website or WhatsApp to get a meeting time. At the scheduled time, prisoners will be brought to a specific meeting shed where they can meet their loved ones.
This facility was first tested as a pilot project in Lahore’s Camp Jail last year, and it worked well. Now, it will be started in all jails across Punjab, including Lahore Central Jail, from April, 2025.
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Jail officials say the advance booking system will not only reduce crowds in waiting areas but also help maintain order during meetings. Additionally, the video call service in Punjab jails has already reduced the number of in-person visits, making things easier for prisoners and their families.
The video call service has been available in Punjab jails since last year. It allows prisoners to make video or audio calls to their families for up to 20 minutes. This service is offered at all Public Call Offices (PCOs) in the jails, where prisoners can call any number they choose. However, for security reasons, these calls are recorded.
Jail officials say that since the video call service started, the number of in-person visits has gone down noticeably. This means families no longer need to visit jails as often, and it has also made managing visits easier for the jail administration.
