Islamabad: Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi today visited the under-construction Model Jail in Islamabad’s Sector H-16, issuing stern directives to accelerate work on the project, which has faced delays for over 14 years.
During his inspection, Minister Naqvi reviewed the progress of construction, emphasizing the need to complete the entire project within the stipulated time. He noted that while two barracks are already complete and checkposts and the central watchtower are nearing completion, significant work remains.
The Interior Minister specifically ordered the completion of two more barracks within 90 days. He also stressed the urgent need to finalize the 34-bed hospital and the main kitchen within the jail as soon as possible.
In its first phase, the Islamabad Model Jail is designed to accommodate 1,500 prisoners. Once fully completed, it is expected to have a capacity of 2,000 inmates, with plans to potentially expand to 4,000 in a second phase.
The project, initially conceived in 2007 and approved in 2011, has been plagued by various issues, including funding shortages and land disputes, leading to its prolonged delay. This new directive from Minister Naqvi underscores the government’s renewed commitment to making the capital’s first dedicated prison operational.
To ensure efficient operations upon completion, Minister Naqvi directed the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Islamabad Police to submit a comprehensive plan for the deployment of staff in the new Model Jail.
