In a landmark move, the Sindh government has launched an unprecedented initiative to provide educational support to children of convicted prisoners, making history as the first such program in Pakistan. The initiative, introduced at a special ceremony at Karachi Central Prison, is a collaborative effort between the education and prisons departments, in partnership with Paigham-e-Pakistan.
Sindh Education Minister Sardar Ali Shah and Prisons Minister Hasan Ali Zardari jointly announced that 4,684 children of incarcerated individuals across Sindh will receive full educational assistance, ranging from primary school to university level. This initiative aims to ensure that these children do not suffer educational disadvantages due to their parents’ imprisonment.
Minister Sardar Ali Shah underscored the significance of this effort, stating that children should not be penalized for the crimes of their parents. He affirmed that education is a fundamental right and a core responsibility of the state. Sindh, he noted, is leading the way by offering comprehensive educational support, covering both public and private institutions.
As part of the program’s first phase, admission letters have already been issued to 100 children, while data has been collected for an additional 2,638. Beyond academic support, the initiative also includes vocational training for juvenile inmates and financial aid for families of prisoners, aiming to prevent economic hardships that often lead to further social challenges.
Prisons Minister Hasan Ali Zardari highlighted that this initiative extends beyond education, serving as a means of rehabilitation for affected families. By providing these opportunities, the government hopes to transform prisons into centers of reform rather than mere punitive institutions.
The program is being hailed as a significant step toward social justice and inclusion in Sindh, setting a precedent for other provinces to follow. It underscores the government’s commitment to breaking cycles of poverty and crime through education, ultimately fostering a more just and equitable society.