Metro53 - Barcelona (Web Desk) – Pakistan’s Consul General in Barcelona, Murad Ali Wazir, along with Community Welfare Attaché Salik Mahmood, held a meeting with senior officials of the Generalitat de Catalunya’s Centre d’Estudis Jurídics i Formació Especialitzada (CEJFE). The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the welfare, monitoring, and rehabilitation of Pakistani inmates detained
Representing the Spanish side were Marc Cirona i Riera (Director CEJFE), Eva Fernández (Program Officer), Jordi Camps (Chief of Rehabilitation Center), and Gema Torres (Deputy Director of Prisons).
During the meeting, the Consulate emphasized the importance of regular and structured coordination regarding Pakistani inmates. It requested that complete and updated monthly records—including locations and legal status—be shared with the Consulate to ensure proper monitoring and facilitate prison visits. The Consulate also asked for the appointment of a focal person within the prison administration. The authorities immediately complied and shared the details to ensure timely communication, prison visits, and documentation support.
The Consulate informed officials that some inmates had complained about high charges for phone calls to their families. The Spanish authorities were formally notified and assured that the matter would be reviewed and resolved. Furthermore, upon request of the Consulate, authorities also agreed that, where administratively possible, Pakistani inmates would be placed in prisons closer to their families for easier visits.
Spanish officials informed the Consulate that rehabilitation and welfare facilities are provided according to the nature of the inmates' crimes. Special rehabilitation and treatment programs, including psychological support, are available for drug-dependent prisoners. The Consulate also requested Spanish-language education and vocational training for Pakistani inmates to help them secure respectable employment after completing their sentences. Authorities confirmed that Spanish-language courses are already in place, and the proposal for vocational training will be considered positively.
The meeting concluded in a cordial and cooperative atmosphere, reaffirming strong collaboration between the Consulate General of Pakistan, Barcelona, and the Government of Catalonia for the welfare of Pakistani prisoners. The Consulate reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights, dignity, and well-being of Pakistani inmates. Through monthly information exchange, designated focal persons, and regular coordination, the Consulate will continue all possible efforts for the benefit of Pakistani prisoners.
