Umar Rehman Malik highlights Sindh govt’s plan to educate convicted prisoners’ children

Abdullah Jan

Islamabad: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Umar Rehman Malik this week highlighted Sindh government’s decision to educate the children of convicted prisoners.

“Sindh government has taken a historic step by launching Pakistan’s first-ever initiative to educate the children of convicted prisoners. This groundbreaking program will provide 4,684 children across Sindh with access to education from primary to university level, breaking cycles of poverty, stigma, and injustice,” the PPP leader said.

He said through this decision, the PPP had reaffirmed its commitment to a more just, inclusive, & compassionate society where every child has the right to education, regardless of their circumstances.

Earlier, the PPP-led Sindh government launched Pakistan’s first-ever programme to support the education of children of convicted prisoners.

The launch ceremony, held at Central Jail Karachi, was attended by Sindh’s Minister for Education and Mines & Minerals Development, Sardar Ali Shah, and Minister for Prisons, Hasan Ali Zardari.

This initiative, which aims to provide free education from primary school to university, is a joint effort of the Sindh Education Department, the Sindh Prisons Department, and Paigham-e-Pakistan. Under the programme, children of 4,684 convicted inmates in Sindh’s jails will receive educational support from primary to university level.

Speaking on the occasion, Sindh Education Minister Sardar Ali Shah emphasised that the state must act like a mother, saying, “We are helping children who have committed no crime. Denying them education would be the greatest injustice because children should not be punished for the actions of their parents.”

He said just as it is the state’s responsibility to punish criminals, it is also the state’s duty to ensure education for their children. “We are setting a positive precedent,” he added.