Security beefed up at Punjab jails

LAHORE: Security at the jails across Punjab has been strengthened in the wake of recent series of acts of terrorism in different parts of the country.

Inspector General of Prisons Punjab, Mian Farooq Nazeer said that according to the new security plan, no visitor would be allowed to enter jail premises without the original identity card.

He said record of all the visitors would be maintained daily and no meeting with any prisoner will be allowed other than the scheduled time. He asserted that in case of any security lapse,the Superintendent of Jail will be taken to task.

He said that on special directive of the Punjab Chief Minister, foolproof security arrangements had been made at all jails in the province with the deployment of special contingents equipped with sophisticated weapons.

Mian Farooq Nazeer said metal detectors, screening machines and close-circuit television sets had been installed at all jails to check the entry of unauthorised items as well as arms and ammunition.

He said all Deputy Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents will also pay at least two visits daily to barracks assigned to them for maintaining discipline.

He said he will also conduct surprise visits to jails to monitor security arrangements, besides checking the quality of food and condition of hospitals.

The IG said that all regional DIGs had also been directed to ensure strict compliance of the directive by paying surprise visits to jails in their jurisdiction. He said all Superintendents of Jails had been directed to submit security inspection report on daily basis to their respective DIG and IG, failing which strict action would be taken.