ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works has expressed serious concern over the prolonged delay in completion of the Islamabad Model Jail project, initiated in 2017, and called for dedicated facilities for female and juvenile prisoners in its second phase.
The committee, chaired by Senator Nasir Mehmood, visited the Islamabad Model Jail to review the status of construction, modern facilities, medical infrastructure and proposed skill-development programmes for inmates. It also held a meeting at the jail premises and was briefed on the progress of the project.
The committee was informed that the total cost of the project had reached Rs7,399.12 million, with around 97 per cent of construction work completed. A modern hospital equipped with advanced medical facilities has also been established, while the hospital and kitchen can be made operational within 24 hours.
Officials told the committee that the original master plan, prepared in 2017, envisaged a comprehensive reformative facility for all categories of inmates, including women and juveniles. However, due to budgetary constraints, the federal government decided to execute the project in phases to prevent it from becoming redundant.
The first phase, now nearing completion, has a capacity of 732 male inmates. The committee unanimously called for separate facilities for female and juvenile prisoners in the subsequent phase.
Senator Nasir Mehmood directed the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives to brief the committee on the second phase, its current status, future plans and proposed completion timeline.
The chairman stressed that the facility should not function merely as a conventional prison but should become a modern rehabilitation and reform centre where inmates could acquire practical skills and reintegrate into society as responsible and productive citizens after serving their sentences.
The committee was informed that vocational training would include motor mechanics, refrigerator repair, handicrafts and other trades. A separation wall has already been constructed, allowing work on the second phase to proceed without disrupting the functioning of the existing facility once it becomes operational.
During the inspection, the committee reviewed various blocks and construction and installation work. Senator Nasir expressed concern that although a fire alarm system had been installed, fire hydrants and sprinkler systems were still missing. He directed the authorities to install all essential fire-safety equipment within 15 days. The committee assured the Capital Development Authority and other relevant authorities of its support in resolving outstanding issues and ensuring timely completion of the project.
It reiterated that the jail should ultimately include dedicated barracks and rehabilitation facilities for women and juveniles to fulfil its vision of becoming a modern, model and reformative correctional facility.
