MINISTRY OF HUMAN RIGHTS CONDUCTS TWO-DAY SENSITIZATION WORKSHOP FOR PRISONS AUTHORITIES ON HUMAN RIGHTS FRAMEWORK IN HARIPUR ON 19TH AND 20TH OCTOBER, 2026
The Ministry of Human Rights in collaboration with UNDP Pakistan under the Huqooq-e-Pakistan II Project organized a ‘Two-Day Sensitization Workshop of Prisons Authorities across Pakistan’ at Haripur from 19-20 October, 2026. The workshop was focused on enhancing the understanding and capacity of Prisons Authorities regarding the National and International Human Rights Framework applicable to Prison Management, with particular emphasis on the rights of prisoners, women prisoners and other vulnerable groups, complaint and accountability mechanisms, rehabilitation, reintegration and rights-based prison administration in compliance with the implementation under Action 51 of the National Action Plan for Human Rights (NAP-HR) and Action 30 of National Action Plan for Business and Human Rights (NAP-BHR). The workshop commenced with welcome remarks by Mr. Muhammad Arshad, Director General, Ministry of Human Rights, and Mr. Waseem Khan, DIG Prisons (Hazara Division), highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen human rights governance in Pakistan's prison system through enhanced capacity development and institutional coordination. Ms. Fouzia Taj (Commandant PSTA) and Syed Mohyuddin Shah (Dy. Commandant PSTA) also shared their remarks on the occasion. This was followed by comprehensive presentations by the Ministry of Human Rights. The workshop imparted practical knowledge of national and international human rights frameworks and their application in day-to-day prison management. During these two days, participants engaged in interactive sessions on various aspects & dynamics of human rights concerns in prisons administration. Through presentations, group exercises, and practical activities, participants explored the linkages between human rights principles and prison management, while identifying challenges and opportunities for improving rights-based correctional practices. In his closing remarks, Mr. Muhammad Arshad, Director General, Ministry of Human Rights, appreciated the active participation and valuable contributions of representatives from prison authorities. He emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration among stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of Pakistan's human rights commitments in the prison system. Reaffirming the Ministry's commitment to continued capacity-building initiatives, he noted that strengthening institutional knowledge, coordination, and accountability mechanisms remains essential for advancing human rights protections and promoting dignity, rehabilitation, and justice within correctional facilities across Pakistan. The workshop concluded with the distribution of certificates to participants, also with a shared commitment to enhance cooperation among stakeholders and support rights-based prison management.
