PESHAWAR
A unique sports festival was organized for the prisoners in the Central Jail Peshawar by the Directorate General Sports in which a large number of inmates enthusiastically participated with some great thrill and joys were also witnessed.
The prisoners took part actively in various competitions and excelled the hidden talent in sports including traditional game Kabaddi, Badminton, Table Tennis and the most enjoyable event Tug-of-War.
Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs Captain (Rtd) Mushtaq Ahmed, IG Prisons Saadat Hassan, DG Sports Khalid Khan, Director Operation Sports Azizullah Jan, Deputy Director Operation Jamshed Baloch, Additional Deputy Commissioner Relief Peshawar Imran Khan, Superintendent Central Jail Maqsoodul Rehman and other important personalities were present during the colourful opening ceremony.
An interesting situation arose when a tug-of-war was fought between the Police team and the prisoners’ team. The prisoners fought off like a rock and defeated the Policemen team by 2-1. Both teams were leveled 1-1 at the first two pulls but in the deciding third one Prisoners staged a strong comeback and defeated the Policemen team.
After winning the final match the Prisoners went for a roaring joyful moment with some of the teammates also coming on the stage for dance performances on traditional “Athran” tone inside the Central Jail.
The prisoners were looking happy with the sporting festival and they expressed their happiness by playing whistles and shouting as well. On this occasion, Secretary Sports. Captain (R) Mushtaq Ahmed while addressing the gathering and prize distribution ceremony said it is very important to provide opportunities to the prisoners to make them efficient citizens of the society and they should realize the importance of healthy sports activities.
He said involving them in such festivity means giving them opportunities to choose the right path so that after their release they can go ahead and play their positive role in the development of their country and nation and become efficient citizens.
Sports activities are very important to get rid of tension besides it generates brotherhood among youth and teaches them tolerance and sportsmanship, he added. He said, it is the need of the hour that patience and perseverance can be taught in the prisoners through sports and emotions like sportsmanship can be created.
IG Prisons Saadat Hasan thanked the Directorate General Sports KP and said that the impression is completely wrong that there is no action to make the prisoners in the prisons respectable citizens. Actions are not taken and this program is proof that the prison administration is playing its role to make the prisoners efficient citizens and they are provided with all possible facilities while staying within the law and in this regard better than sports.
The aim of Peshawar Sports Festival in Central Jail is to provide joy to the inmates of the jail and to encourage them towards positive activities. During the closing ceremony the Tug-of-War, Sack race, musical chair and food competitions were also held between the inmates and the police personnel.
