KP govt allows prisoners to open bank accounts

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced a new initiative to allow prisoners in the province to open bank accounts and support their families.

According to IG Prisons Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Usman Mehsud, the scheme is part of the Welfare Fund Rules 2023, which aim to improve the living conditions and rehabilitation of inmates.

Under the new rules, prisoners will be able to earn wages by working in various industries within the jails, such as carpet, furniture, and small leather factories. They will also be able to work in the PCO and canteen.

Out of their earnings, 10 per cent will go to the government, 30 per cent will go to the prisoners, and 60 per cent will go to the welfare fund.

Mehsud said that the welfare fund will be used to provide financial assistance to the prisoners’ families, as well as to cover the expenses of their education, health, and legal aid.

He added that the Bank of Khyber is in talks with the prison authorities to facilitate the opening of bank accounts for the prisoners.

He hoped that the initiative will help the prisoners reintegrate into society and reduce the crime rate in the province.