LAHORE – The Punjab government has launched the “Naya Aaghaz” (New Beginning) programme, a major prison reform initiative aimed at helping deserving released prisoners rebuild their lives through interest-free loans and vocational support.
The programme, introduced under Chief Minister Punjab’s prison reform agenda, was unveiled at a ceremony attended by Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi, Chairman of the Chief Minister’s Task Force on Prisons Rana Mannan Khan, Chairman of Akhuwat Foundation Dr Amjad Saqib, Inspector General of Prisons Mian Salik Jalal, and other senior officials.
Under the initiative, eligible prisoners completing their sentences will be able to obtain interest-free loans of up to Rs200,000 to start small businesses or expand existing ventures using the vocational skills they acquired during imprisonment. The loans will be repaid through equal monthly instalments over a period of 36 months.
The Punjab Home Department and Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to implement the programme. Akhuwat has allocated an initial revolving fund of Rs5 million, while all administrative and operational costs will be borne by the organisation, with no financial liability on the Punjab government or the Prisons Department.
Officials said Punjab prisons currently offer certified vocational training in 23 different trades, with more than 28,000 inmates having earned professional certificates through training centres established in collaboration with TEVTA and PVTC. At present, around 6,500 inmates are receiving technical training across Punjab’s prisons.
Eligible beneficiaries will be recommended by the Prisons Department after a thorough assessment based on their conduct during imprisonment and the vocational skills they have acquired. Prison superintendents will identify inmates due for release within the next three months to ensure loan applications are processed before their release. Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance will independently evaluate all applications under its lending criteria.
Individuals designated under National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) lists or United Nations Security Council sanctions will not qualify for the scheme.
Speaking at the event, Rana Mannan Khan said the programme would help former prisoners achieve financial independence and reintegrate into society with dignity. Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi described the initiative as an important step towards reducing poverty, promoting rehabilitation and transforming prisons into centres of education, training and reform.
Dr Amjad Saqib said the programme was based entirely on the principle of Qarz-e-Hasna (benevolent, interest-free loans) and would provide released prisoners with a meaningful opportunity to restart their lives. He added that Akhuwat has so far disbursed Rs500 billion in interest-free loans to 4.5 million families across Pakistan.
IG Prisons Mian Salik Jalal said 74 psychologists are currently serving in Punjab prisons to support inmates’ rehabilitation and encourage their participation in constructive activities, alongside ongoing technical and vocational training programmes.
