KARACHI: The Sindh government has decided to formulate a plan to assist the children of convicted prisoners in completing their education.

In a joint meeting chaired by Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah and Minister for Prisons Ali Hassan Zardari, discussions were held on various proposals to support the education of prisoners` children.

During the meeting, suggestions were presented by `Paigham Pakistan` regarding the education of prisoners` children. Minister Shah welcomed these suggestions, emphasising that the mistakes of one individual should not result in punishment for their family, especially their children.

He added that the state has a dual responsibility: enforcing the law and ensuring children receive an education.

Minister Shah further announced that a global-first model would be developed to provide formal education, non-formal education and technical training to the children of convicted prisoners, from school to university.

He expressed hope that this model would serve as a guideforthefuture ofprisoners`childrenacrossother provinces of Pakistan.

`We want to turn the children of convicted prisoners into educated and patriotic Pakistanis. Instead of creating future prisoners, we aim to produce responsible citizens,` he said, Minister Zardari pledged full support for the initiative and stated that efforts would also focus on educating those children who could not continue their studies due to family issues.

He highlighted that the Sindh government, under the leadership of the Pakistan Peoples Party, is working to transform the concept of prisons into `rehabilitation homes.

To gather data on prisoners` children currently pursuing education, a six-member working committee, headed by the Secretary of College Education, was formed. This committee will work with prisoners to collect information regarding their children`s education.

The meeting also decided that children whose family heads or breadwinners are incarcerated will receive assistance in continuing their studies, especially if they are enrolled in private schools. They will benefit from a 10 per cent free scholarship.