Report: ANI Correspondent:
Karachi: Pakistan Legal United Society (PLUS), in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Karachi Silver Sands, organised “Voices Behind the Bars”, a showcase highlighting vocational training, rehabilitation and access to justice for inmates, in Karachi on September 2.
The event brought together representatives from civil society, the business community, academia and professional organisations to witness the impact of initiatives aimed at equipping inmates with skills and creating opportunities for rehabilitation and social reintegration.
The showcase featured vocational skills including graphic designing, fine arts, solar technician training and other technical programmes, alongside legal assistance, employment opportunities and access-to-justice initiatives.
Participants emphasised that rehabilitation goes beyond correction and should focus on restoring dignity, building confidence, developing skills and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
A commitment was also made by participating stakeholders to support and sustain vocational training and rehabilitation centres, ensuring continued access to skills development, justice and employment opportunities for inmates.
Artwork created by women and juvenile inmates under the training programme was also exhibited for sale. The proceeds will go directly to the inmates to help them support their families while serving their sentences.
The event was described as an important step towards prison reform and social reintegration in Pakistan, highlighting the potential of partnerships between legal aid organisations, civil society and Rotary clubs to create lasting social impact.
