Pakistan Legal United Society (PLUS), in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Karachi Silver Sands, organised “Voices Behind the Bars” on September 2, 2026, showcasing vocational training, rehabilitation and access-to-justice initiatives for inmates.
The event brought together representatives from civil society, the business community, academia, healthcare, legal and professional sectors. Participants witnessed how skills development and rehabilitation programmes can help inmates rebuild their lives and prepare for reintegration into society.
The showcase featured training in graphic design, fine arts, solar technology and other technical skills. It also highlighted employment opportunities, legal assistance and access-to-justice programmes designed to restore dignity and provide meaningful pathways after incarceration.
Skills, Dignity and Rehabilitation
The organisers stressed that rehabilitation extends beyond correction. They said inmates need opportunities to develop skills, gain confidence, access legal support and build sustainable livelihoods.
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The initiative also demonstrated how vocational training can support families. Artwork created by women and juvenile inmates under the programme was displayed for sale at the event.
Organisers said all proceeds from the artwork will go directly to the inmates, allowing them to support their families while serving their sentences.
Stakeholders Pledge Continued Support
Participating stakeholders pledged to support the sustainability of vocational training and rehabilitation centres.
The commitment aims to ensure continued access to skills development, employment opportunities, legal assistance and rehabilitation services for inmates and other vulnerable groups.
Representatives attending the event included Sarwat Shah, founder of Khudi Wellness; Zahid Ansari and Noor Afshan Baloch of FPCCI; Dr Sultan, cardiologist; social activist Nayyar Sultana; Mufti Abu Talha of Nusrat Trust; Nishat Alam of APHA; Erum Saim of Sakn-e-Sheza; Himadullah Sohoo of Rotary Club of Karachi Kehkashan; and Anjum Ghafoor of Rotary Club of Karachi Climate Avenue.
Partnership for Prison Reform
The organisers described the event as an important step towards prison reform and social reintegration in Pakistan.
They highlighted the potential of partnerships between legal aid organisations, civil society groups and Rotary clubs to create practical and sustainable rehabilitation models.
PLUS and the Rotary Club of Karachi Silver Sands said they will continue working to strengthen access to justice, rehabilitation, empowerment, vocational training and social reintegration.
The initiative seeks to help transform lives behind bars by creating opportunities for a more purposeful future beyond incarceration.
About PLUS
Pakistan Legal United Society (PLUS) is a legal aid organisation focused on access to justice, legal assistance and rehabilitation support for marginalised communities, including inmates and vulnerable populations.
About Rotary Club of Karachi Silver Sands
Rotary Club of Karachi Silver Sands, RID 3271, is a community service organisation working on humanitarian service, vocational training and social empowerment initiatives across Sindh.
