LAHORE – The Punjab government has entered into a formal partnership with Daraz to sell products made by inmates in provincial prisons online, marking a major development under the “Hunarmand Aseer Programme.”
The Home Department said that a tripartite agreement has been finalised between the department, the Punjab Prisons Department and Daraz, enabling citizens across Pakistan to buy jail-manufactured items through the Daraz mobile application.
A memorandum of understanding was signed at a ceremony held at the Home Department. DIG Prisons Naveed Rauf and a Daraz representative signed the agreement, while IG Prisons Mian Farooq Nazir, Additional Secretary Prisons Roman Borana and Deputy Secretary Prisons Tehniyat Bukhari also attended.
Officials said the initiative will provide convenient nationwide access to high-quality products crafted by prisoners, boosting sales and increasing the compensation inmates receive for their work. The Home Department noted that it is taking concrete measures for the rehabilitation, skill development and socio-economic uplift of inmates.
Prisons across Punjab currently produce carpets, tough tiles, furniture, LED bulbs, shoes, gloves, footballs, clothing, soap, phenyl, washing powder and metal trunks. Inmates are also receiving vocational training in multiple trades, including barbering, tailoring, cooking, motorcycle mechanics, electrical work and handicrafts. The performance of jail superintendents is partly evaluated based on production levels and inmate compensation.
Authorities said the jail industry is helping inmates earn dignified livelihoods and enabling skilled prisoners to financially support their families. Skilled instructors are posted in every jail to train inmates, while their products are being promoted and marketed to encourage participation.
In addition to Daraz, prison-made products are available at prisonstore.com.pk and at display centres set up outside all prisons in Punjab.
