The Punjab government has increased the limit for depositing money into prisoners’ accounts from Rs10,000 to Rs25,000, making it easier for families to provide financial support to their loved ones in jail.
Under the updated arrangement, relatives can transfer money through available digital banking services and banking applications without repeatedly visiting bank branches. The initiative is being implemented through collaboration between the Punjab Prisons Department and the Bank of Punjab (BOP).
According to a report published by Samaa on October 24, 2026, the two institutions have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to formalise the arrangement. The increased limit is intended to make deposits more convenient and improve access to funds for prisoners’ personal expenses.
The change provides families with greater flexibility when sending money and builds on the digital cash-management system already operating in Punjab’s prisons. Source: Express Tribune’s Urdu service
Prisoners’ Account Limit Increased to Rs25,000
Under the revised arrangement, the amount that can be deposited into prisoners’ accounts has increased by Rs15,000, rising from Rs10,000 to Rs25,000.
The increase gives families more room to provide financial assistance without having to make repeated deposits within the previous limit.
Money deposited into prisoners’ accounts can help them manage permitted personal expenses while serving their sentences. The digital system is designed to make these funds accessible through established prison cash-management arrangements.
The revised ceiling is particularly relevant for families who need to support relatives in custody but face difficulties making frequent trips to banks or dealing with time-consuming deposit procedures.
However, the announced increase concerns the deposit limit. It does not automatically mean that prisoners can receive unlimited funds or use their account balances without restrictions. The applicable prison rules and account-management procedures continue to govern how money is handled and spent.
Families Can Transfer Money Through Banking Apps
One of the main benefits of the arrangement is the ability to transfer money remotely.
Previously, families often had to visit bank branches to deposit funds into prisoners’ accounts. The digital facility reduces the need for repeated physical visits and allows eligible relatives to make transfers from home through available banking applications.
The Punjab Prisons Department and the Bank of Punjab have been working together to develop a system that makes these transactions more accessible and transparent.
According to the department’s official information, the prison cash-management system supports digital deposits through services including JazzCash, Easypaisa, UPaisa, Raast ID and OneLink. The system was expanded through amendments to the agreement between the department and the bank in January 2025. Source: Punjab Prisons Department
The availability of these channels can reduce the time and travel expenses involved in supporting a family member in custody.
Families should nevertheless confirm the currently supported payment methods and follow the instructions provided by the relevant authorities before transferring money.
Punjab Prisons Department and Bank of Punjab Sign MoU
The latest increase is being implemented through cooperation between the Punjab Prisons Department and the Bank of Punjab.
The partnership supports the management of prisoners’ funds and the use of digital financial services within the province’s correctional facilities.
The existing system allows prisoners to maintain accounts that can be used for permitted transactions, including purchases of essential items from prison canteens and payments for public-call-office services.
The department has previously stated that funds are managed through a controlled system involving biometric verification. These arrangements are intended to improve financial transparency and reduce opportunities for improper handling of prisoners’ money.
The latest change focuses on increasing the amount families can deposit, while the broader cash-management framework continues to govern how the funds are handled.
How the Digital System Helps Prisoners
Digital account management can make financial support more straightforward for prisoners and their families.
Relatives may live far from the prison where a family member is being held, making repeated bank visits difficult and costly. Remote transfers can reduce this inconvenience and make it easier to provide money when needed.
The account-based system also creates a more structured record of deposits and permitted spending compared with arrangements that rely entirely on physical cash.
For prisoners, access to funds can help cover approved personal expenses and purchases of everyday essentials available through prison facilities.
For prison administrators, a centralised system can support improved financial oversight, account tracking and transaction management.
The benefits depend on the continued availability of digital payment channels, accurate account records and effective implementation across the province’s jails.
A Wider Effort to Modernise Prison Services
Punjab has introduced several initiatives aimed at improving prison administration, access to services and the welfare of inmates.
The digital cash-management system is one element of these efforts. The Punjab Prisons Department has also maintained technology-based systems for managing prisoner information and facilitating services within correctional facilities.
In August 2022, the Punjab Information Technology Board reported integrating the Prison Management Information System with the Bank of Punjab to support prisoners’ personal accounts and digital transactions. The system was designed to facilitate cashless purchases and improve transparency in prison financial operations. Source: Punjab Information Technology Board
The increase in the deposit ceiling to Rs25,000 builds on this broader digital framework by allowing larger deposits under the updated arrangement.
What Families Should Know
Families who want to send money to prisoners in Punjab should note the revised deposit limit of Rs25,000 instead of the previous Rs10,000 ceiling.
They can use the available digital banking channels, subject to the applicable account requirements and transaction procedures.
Before making a transfer, relatives should confirm the prisoner’s account details, the supported payment method and any instructions issued by the Punjab Prisons Department or the Bank of Punjab.
The announcement does not specify whether the revised limit applies per transaction, over a particular period or under another account-based calculation. Families should confirm this detail with the relevant authorities rather than assume that the limit applies in a specific way.
Overall, the increase is intended to make financial support more convenient for prisoners and their families. By raising the deposit ceiling and supporting remote transfers, the Punjab Prisons Department and the Bank of Punjab are seeking to reduce administrative inconvenience while continuing to manage prisoners’ funds through an organised system.
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