• Prisons Ordinance to be amended to empower Prison Tactical Force 

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a set of recommendations to provide compensation and other assistance to prison officers who were killed or injured while on duty during clashes at a prison on 5 and 6 July.

At its meeting held on 3 August, the Cabinet decided to appoint a committee headed by the Justice Ministry Secretary to make recommendations on compensation and assistance for the affected officers. The committee has since submitted its report, which was presented to the Cabinet by the Justice Minister. The Cabinet has approved the implementation of the recommendations outlined in the report.

In addition to compensation payable under the Public Administration Circular Number 22/936, the Cabinet has approved the following special payments: for officers killed in the line of duty Rs 5 million per officer, for officers who become fully disabled Rs 5 million per officer, for officers with partial disabilities resulting in a 100 per cent loss of the earning capacity Rs 4 million per officer, and for officers who sustained temporary partial disabilities Rs 3 million per officer.

The Cabinet has also approved several measures to strengthen the Prison Tactical Force, including: amending the Prisons Ordinance to introduce provisions granting the Force legal status, recruiting a sufficient number of qualified personnel to strengthen the Force, providing specialised training in the relevant fields and equipping the Force with the necessary equipment, and taking steps to establish a headquarters for the Force. 

The measures are intended to provide support to affected prison officers while strengthening the operational capacity and preparedness of the Force.