In a groundbreaking move, the Sindh government has announced a pioneering initiative to provide free education to the children of convicted prisoners across the province. This initiative, the first of its kind in Pakistan, aims to break the cycle of poverty and crime by ensuring these children receive an uninterrupted education from primary school to university level.
The program was officially launched at Karachi Central Prison, where Sindh Education Minister Sardar Ali Shah and Prisons Minister Hasan Ali Zardari underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring that no child is deprived of education due to their parent’s incarceration. According to the announcement, children of 4,684 convicted prisoners will receive comprehensive educational support, including admission to both government and private institutions.
Empowering the Future Generation
Education Minister Sardar Ali Shah emphasized that a child should not suffer due to their parent’s misdeeds. He reiterated that providing education to all children, regardless of their circumstances, is the state’s responsibility. “Sindh is setting an example for the rest of the country by taking this historic step,” he said.
The initiative is a joint effort between the Sindh Education Department, the Prisons Department, and Paigham-e-Pakistan. In its initial phase, 100 children have already been issued admission letters, while data has been collected for 2,638 more. The initiative also extends beyond formal education, incorporating vocational training programs for juvenile inmates and financial aid for the families of convicted prisoners to help them overcome economic hardships.
Transforming Prisons into Reform Centers
Prisons Minister Hasan Ali Zardari highlighted the broader impact of this initiative, stating that it will not only provide education but also contribute to rehabilitating entire families. He emphasized that the government aims to transform prisons into reform centers where inmates and their families are given opportunities to reintegrate into society as productive citizens.
“This initiative is not just about education; it’s about reshaping lives and giving hope to those who might otherwise fall into the same negative cycles as their incarcerated parents,” Zardari stated. He also assured that efforts would be made to expand the program in the coming years.
This groundbreaking initiative marks a crucial step in reducing the stigma and disadvantages faced by the children of prisoners, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for Sindh’s youth