LAHORE: The Punjab Home Department has operationalised “Prison Welfare Stores” in all nine central jails across Punjab, allowing inmates to purchase daily-use items at affordable prices.
Task Force on Prisons Chairman Rana Manan Khan and Home Secretary Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi inaugurated a Prison Welfare Store at Central Jail Lahore on Thursday.
Officials briefed the delegation that the stores currently offer 74 essential items, including bakery products, beverages, kitchen supplies and hygiene products, at prices comparable to the retail market.
According to prison authorities, the purchasing system is fully digitised and monitored through a centralised Point of Sale (POS) system, which records details of inmates, purchased items and pricing information.
Inmates can reportedly place orders online through tablet devices using biometric verification and linked bank accounts.
Authorities said the initiative is part of broader prison reform efforts aimed at improving inmate welfare and modernising jail administration.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Rana Manan Khan said prison reforms were among the top priorities of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and added that the government was working to transform prisons into rehabilitation and reform centres.
He directed officials to ensure that no product is sold above the market retail price.
Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi said the welfare store model would be extended to all jails in Punjab within the current month. He added that the stores are being managed by the Punjab Prisons Foundation and monitored through CCTV surveillance systems.
He further stated that food items available at the stores had been tested by laboratories of the Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority, which confirmed that the products met standard quality requirements.He said that an audit officer has been appointed to ensure financial transparency in the welfare stores affairs.
Prisons Inspector General Mian Farooq Nazir said the welfare stores would be run on a no-profit, no-loss basis. He said all items would be available at market rates.
