Lahore: The Punjab government has activated the Free Legal Aid Committees in all 43 jails of the province. The initiative aims to help inmates who cannot afford legal counsel.
According to the spokesperson of the Punjab Home Department, these committees have been established in collaboration with the Punjab Bar Council and District Bar Associations. Comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been issued to streamline the process of identifying and assisting deserving prisoners.
Under the SOPs, Deputy Superintendents (Judicial) will identify prisoners in need of free legal aid. Weekly announcements will be made in the barracks every Tuesday to inform inmates about the service. By Wednesday, the list of eligible prisoners will be sent to the Free Legal Aid Committee of the concerned district.
Deputy Superintendents will also facilitate meetings between inmates and their assigned attorneys, ensuring that each listed inmate receives legal assistance. Any obstruction in the provision of legal aid will be removed with the cooperation of the Superintendents and Bar Councils. In case of unavailability of counsel, the Inspector General of Prisons will contact the Punjab Bar Council and arrange for immediate assistance.
Monthly reports will be prepared and sent to the Home Department to ensure transparency. These reports will detail the reasons for any omissions as well as the number of inmates receiving legal aid.