

A visit to Islamabad’s new prison brought attention to a basic but important part of prison life: the quality of meals served to inmates. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi ate food prepared in the facility’s newly opened kitchen, marking the start of its operations.
Rather than limiting the visit to a formal inspection, the minister sampled the food himself as part of his review of the arrangements being made for prisoners.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry also accompanied him. The visit highlighted the practical facilities being put in place as the new prison moves closer to receiving inmates.

Beyond the kitchen, officials reviewed different parts of the prison designed to support inmates during their time in custody. These included sleeping quarters, the dining space, a hospital and an area for visitors.
Such facilities play a central role in daily prison life. Access to meals, medical attention and suitable accommodation forms part of the basic environment that authorities must provide for people in detention.
The inspection offered a look at the services available at the new complex as officials prepare for its opening and the eventual transfer of prisoners from existing facilities.

The Islamabad Model Jail project has been in the works for years, with construction beginning in 2016 after the initiative was launched in 2009. Its first phase is reported to have cost around Rs7 billion.
The completed phase is expected to house approximately 1,500 prisoners from Islamabad who are currently being held at Adiala Jail. Moving them to a facility within the capital could help address the city’s need for dedicated prison capacity.
The complex is expected to be formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif before the transfer of inmates begins.

































