Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, while addressing a ceremony of the Prisons Department, highlighted the need for prison reforms and a more efficient justice system in Pakistan.

Reflecting on his own experiences, Gandapur stated, "I have many memories with the prison. Jail is not just a place of punishment but a great place for reform."

He emphasised that not all prisoners are criminals, as many are victims of a flawed system. "There are some good people also who are under a compulsion. Victimization is a problem in our country," he remarked.

"Punishment is meant for reform; it is not mere confinement," he added, stressing that delays in legal proceedings must be eliminated.

He expressed confidence that digitisation could streamline the system, saying, "The world is progressing with digital solutions, and our justice system must follow suit."

He also pointed out that a single inspector general (IG) cannot efficiently monitor 39 jails, underscoring the importance of reforms that allow inmates to communicate with their families remotely.

Call for ethical journalism

Later, at the oath-taking ceremony of the Peshawar Press Club, CM Gandapur addressed journalists, urging them to uphold truth and justice rather than self-interest.

"Politics is worship, but today it is being portrayed as synonymous with corruption," he remarked, adding that journalism should be used as a tool for accountability and fairness. He acknowledged past mistakes and the need to learn from them for a better future.

The chief minister also shared his personal growth, stating that his tolerance for criticism had increased over time. He reiterated PTI founder Imran Khan’s stance on quality and principles, asserting that compromising on core values should never be an option.