Attock jail superintendent arrested after allegedly offering bribe to Punjab IG Prisons

RAWALPINDI: The Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) arrested Attock Jail Superintendent Imran Barth after he allegedly attempted to bribe Punjab Inspector General of Prisons Mian Salik Jalal, the prisons department said on Tuesday.

According to the Punjab prison department, Barth visited the IG’s residence at around 10pm on Monday to discuss security, safety and other administrative matters concerning District Jail Attock.

He left after the meeting but returned about two minutes later, saying he wanted to discuss an important matter, the department said.

When the IG entered the drawing room, Barth allegedly placed an envelope filled with cash on his table.

Jalal refused to accept the money and immediately informed the Punjab home secretary about the incident, according to the department.

The home department subsequently informed the ACE, which took immediate action and arrested Barth along with the envelope containing the cash, it said.

The prisons department described the action as significant because it involved a jail superintendent rather than a lower-ranking official.

Jalal said the prisons department will maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, bribery and misuse of authority, adding that no officer or official would be considered above the law.

The ACE is conducting further legal proceedings and an investigation into the incident, according to the prisons department.