Punjab Sends 20 Officers to US for Advanced Correctional Training

Punjab Introduces Correctional Reforms; 20 Officers to Receive Advanced Training in the United States
Two-week programme in Virginia to focus on GPS monitoring, offender rehabilitation and modern probation and parole systems
LAHORE, October 15, 2026 (Nazrana Times) Ali Imran Chattha 

The Punjab government has taken another step towards modernising its probation, parole and prison systems, with 20 officers set to travel to the United States for a two-week advanced training programme.
The selected officers from the Punjab Probation and Parole Service and the Prisons Department met Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi at the Home Department to discuss preparations for the training visit.
Special Secretary Home Zainab Khan, Inspector General of Prisons Mian Salik Jalal, former Director General of Probation and Parole Shahid Iqbal, Senior Prison Psychologist Saadia Zafar and other relevant officials attended the meeting.
During the briefing, officials said the Training of Trainers (ToT) programme would be conducted in Virginia in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Corrections. The initiative is being supported by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) of the US Department of State and will not impose any financial burden on the Punjab government.
The officers will visit the United States from October 24 to November 8, 2026. Officials noted that this is the second delegation of Punjab probation and parole officers to undertake advanced training in the United States this year.
The programme will cover electronic monitoring, GPS-based supervision and technology-driven offender management systems. Participants will also receive specialised training in supervising high-risk offenders and individuals associated with gangs.
A key focus will be the principle of “Rehabilitate, Reform and Reintegrate”, alongside modern, evidence-based approaches to probation and parole supervision. Officials also noted that the leadership of the Virginia Department of Corrections had previously appreciated Punjab’s reform-oriented model.
Addressing the officers, Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi said Punjab’s probation, parole and prison systems were being aligned with international standards. He expressed confidence that the training would improve the management of high-risk offenders and contribute to strengthening counterterrorism efforts in the province.
The Home Secretary said the officers would serve not only as trainees but also as ambassadors of Pakistan, representing the country through their professionalism, dedication and capabilities.
He added that all participants were receiving preliminary training before departure. After completing the programme, they would be assigned supervisory responsibilities in different districts.
Dr. Qazi further said the training would help enhance the effectiveness of the Punjab Probation and Parole Service’s Offender Management Information System (OMIS), supporting more efficient supervision and management of offenders.