The Sindh government has launched a groundbreaking program to support the education of children of convicted prisoners, making it the first initiative of its kind in Pakistan.
During a ceremony at Karachi Central Prison, Education Minister Sardar Ali Shah and Prisons Minister Hasan Ali Zardari announced that educational assistance will be provided to the children of 4,684 convicted inmates across Sindh, covering schooling from primary education up to university level.
The initiative, a joint effort between the education and prisons departments in collaboration with Paigham-e-Pakistan, aims to ensure that children are not deprived of education due to their parents’ imprisonment.
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Minister Sardar Shah stressed that children should not bear the consequences of their parents’ actions, emphasizing that it is the state’s duty to secure their education. He noted that Sindh is taking the lead by offering comprehensive educational support, whether in public or private institutions.
In the initial phase, admission letters have been issued to 100 children, with data collected for 2,638 more. The program also includes educational and vocational training for juvenile inmates, along with financial assistance for the families of convicted prisoners to prevent economic hardships.
Prisons Minister Zardari highlighted that this initiative not only ensures education for these children but also contributes to rehabilitating entire families, transforming prisons into centers for reform.