The Punjab Home Department has launched modern Prison Welfare Stores in all nine central jails across the province, aiming to improve inmate welfare through affordable and transparent shopping facilities. Authorities officially inaugurated the latest welfare store at Central Jail Lahore during a ceremony attended by senior prison and government officials on Thursday.
Officials stated that the welfare stores currently provide 74 essential products, including bakery items, beverages, hygiene supplies, and kitchen products at prices matching the open retail market. Moreover, prison authorities directed management teams to ensure that no item is sold above standard market rates under the newly introduced system.
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Authorities also introduced a fully digital purchasing system that allows inmates to place orders online through tablet devices using biometric verification and linked bank accounts. Furthermore, officials explained that a centralised Point of Sale system records inmate details, purchased products, and pricing data to ensure complete operational transparency.
During the inauguration ceremony, Task Force on Prisons Chairman Rana Manan Khan said prison reforms remained among the highest priorities of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. He added that the government wanted to transform prisons into rehabilitation and reform centres by introducing modern systems focused on welfare, accountability, and better living conditions.
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Meanwhile, Home Secretary Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi announced that the welfare store model would soon expand to all prisons across Punjab within the current month. He further explained that the Punjab Prisons Foundation manages these stores under CCTV monitoring, while an audit officer supervises financial matters to maintain transparency and accountability.
Prisons Inspector General Mian Farooq Nazir said the welfare stores would operate strictly on a no-profit, no-loss basis to benefit inmates directly. Additionally, authorities confirmed that food products available at the stores had successfully passed quality testing conducted by laboratories of the Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority.