The first phase of construction of a model prison in Sector H-16, Islamabad, has been completed, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to inaugurate it soon. Spread over 90 acres, Phase 1 of the prison has a capacity to accommodate 1,000 inmates, for which three barracks have been constructed.
Once the prison becomes operational, all prisoners from Islamabad currently housed at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi will be transferred to the new facility. According to sources, there is also a possibility that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan will be shifted to Islamabad Jail.
Under Phase 1, the residence of the prison superintendent has been completed. Twelve flats have been constructed for officers, while a three-storey barracks building has been built for staff.
A 32-bed hospital has also been established. In addition, two watchtowers and 34 security posts have been constructed to ensure foolproof security.
An administrative block and a kitchen have also been completed. The prison has been built at a cost of Rs 7 billion, and necessary staff have been appointed to operate the facility.
The hospital will be managed by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) staff. Cleaning work is currently underway at the prison premises.
Phase II of the project will be undertaken subsequently after the finalization of the initial phase. Sohail Ashraf, CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, recently visited the site of the Islamabad Jail project to review progress on ongoing construction work, the current status of the project, and the stipulated completion timeline.
The CDA chairman inspected various sections of the project and reviewed progress on construction work and the development of essential infrastructure. He was briefed on the progress made so far and held discussions with relevant officers regarding the quality of construction and compliance with prescribed standards.
The completion of this major correctional facility is expected to ease the burden on existing prisons in the region while significantly improving the administrative and security framework for detainees belonging to the federal capital.