Probation, Parole Service Concludes Summer Internship Programme
Punjab Probation and Parole Service, Home Department, has concluded its summer internship programme aimed at familiarising university students with criminal justice, community corrections, and rehabilitation systems.
The concluding session, held at the Home Department and chaired by Special Secretary Home Zainab Khan, featured speakers such as Inspector General of Prisons Mian Salik Jalal, Probation and Parole Director General Shahid Iqbal, Additional Secretary Prisons Rooman Burana, Director Probation and Parole Irfan Hameed, and other officials.
Key Highlights:
- Thirty students from seven universities participated, representing: Government College University Lahore, University of the Punjab, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Beaconhouse National University, Kinnaird College University, and Forman Christian College University.
- Interns studied fields like psychology, sociology, social work, criminology, law, and gender studies.
- They gained practical experience through visits to: Punjab Assembly, Home Department, courts, Prisons Department, Punjab Forensic Science Authority, Rescue 1122, Punjab Safe Cities Authority, Prosecution Department, and the Civil Services Academy.
Special Secretary Home Zainab Khan emphasized the probation and parole service's role in reducing prison overcrowding through accountability and rehabilitation. She highlighted the "Naya Aaghaz Programme", offering interest-free loans to deserving prisoners upon release, helping them establish small businesses with acquired skills.
Inspector General of Prisons Mian Salik Jalal spoke about transforming prisons into rehabilitation centers. He mentioned the Skilled Prisoners Programme, providing technical training in 23 industries, and the Mulaqat App, facilitating prison visits for inmates and their families.
Probation and Parole DG Shahid Iqbal noted that the department currently rehabilitates around 40,000 probationers.
Interns presented recommendations for improving the probation and parole system, while certificates were distributed to those demonstrating outstanding performance during the program.