- Inmates released outfitted with tags
- Released on condition they either study or work
- Minister Umar assures they will not pose a security concern
Granting reprieve for inmates has been a practice that has been in practice. This year, Home Ministry had planned to release 300 inmates under the parole system; 243 are currently shortlisted for the process. A committee had been drawn up to facilitate the process and 150 inmates would be released in the last 10 days of Ramadan.
Releasing a large number of inmates to the public is a concerning issue for many. Especially given the rise of street stabbings, the issue becomes more prominent. In the past, releasing inmates at critical times like this had only increased crime.
Parolees will be monitored!
Home Minister Umar Naseer had said previously there were no strong principles for parole. However, he assured that this year, strong principles will be applied for parole, stating that they will still have to serve their sentence in house arrest. According to the Home Minister this was a small leniency granted to the inmates, only allowing them to stay with their families. Minister said the parolees will be transferred to their respective islands.
Additionally, Corrections Department had assured the inmates released were not inmates who had been jailed for major crimes. The inmates applicable parole are chosen after rigorous checks.
Minister Umar said the inmates will be under constant monitoring, outfitted with a special tag. They will have to return back home at the designated hours and their whereabouts will be constantly checked. If they violate the terms of their parole, they will be immediately transferred home.
Tag system successful!
The tagging system introduced under the monicon system has so far been successful. According to the Home Minister, the gangs have been "sized" due to the system. Gang leaders have been discouraged from participating in major crimes. The aim is to crush gangs. Over 20 have been tagged under the program, with one transferred back to jail for violating monicon terms. This in itself shows how successful the system is.
The parolees will be released outfitted with a tag, one that is lighter than the monicon tag. Similar to the monicon tags, the parolees will be monitored and action will be taken against any violations.
Parloees must work or study
The parolees are released under a work/ study scheme. Parolees will be given a second chance to mold themselves into productive members of the society, in spite of their criminal history. They will have to get enrolled in educational programs or find jobs to remain as parolees.
This is the first time inmates would be released with strict conditions. The biggest concern with the previous system was the lack of an enforcement and monitoring system. As a result of this public safety and security hangs in limbo. This year even the question still remains. However, Home Minister has assured that this will not repeat.
